tech
tech — adjective
1. short for 'technical'; connected with the equipment, methods, and expert know-ho
short for 'technical'; connected with the equipment, methods, and expert know-how of science and manufacturing
Talia works for a company that offers tech support to schools across Mexico.
tech support — adjective + noun compound
The university built a new tech lab with 3D printers and laser cutters.
tech lab — adjective + noun compound
Samir enrolled at a tech institute because he wanted hands-on training in electronics.
Élise asked a tech question about the chemistry experiment during class.
- technical
the full form; 'tech' is informal and clipped
- technological
wider scope, often about large systems rather than hands-on machinery
用法筆記
Almost always used before a noun in compounds such as tech company, tech industry, and tech support. In informal contexts it may stand alone (e.g., 'the tech team').
tech — noun
1. short for 'technology', especially digital technology such as computers, the int
short for 'technology', especially digital technology such as computers, the internet, smartphones, and the businesses and activities connected with them
Megan found a job in tech after finishing her degree in computer science.
in tech — preposition + noun (field of work)
The tech industry in Nairobi has attracted investors from all over the world.
tech industry — noun + noun compound
Otis invested in a small tech startup that makes software for farmers.
Children today grow up surrounded by tech in ways their parents never did.
- technology
the full form; 'tech' is shorter and more conversational
- IT
narrower focus on information systems and computing
- computing
more about the act or science of using computers
用法筆記
Uncountable in this sense when referring to the field or concept generally ('a career in tech'). Can be countable when referring to specific types or sectors ('emerging techs' is rare but possible).
常見錯誤
2. electronic gadgets and tools that rely on computers or digital systems, for exam
electronic gadgets and tools that rely on computers or digital systems, for example phones, laptops, and tablets
The Watanabe family keeps all their old tech in a box under the stairs.
old tech — adjective + noun (uncountable, general)
On the bus to Da Nang, Minh played games on his phone and other tech.
played games on [poss] tech — tech as uncountable category
Gabriel packed his tech — phone, laptop, and headphones — into a small bag.
Ravindra dropped his tech in the pool and had to buy a new phone.
- gadgets
more playful; suggests smaller, fun devices
- devices
more formal and neutral
- electronics
broader — includes non-computer devices like radios
用法筆記
Uncountable — used as a collective term for multiple devices. Do not add -s ('techs') for this meaning.
常見錯誤
3. short for 'technician'; someone with hands-on expertise in a scientific or techn
short for 'technician'; someone with hands-on expertise in a scientific or technical field such as medicine, engineering, or laboratory work
The hospital called a lab tech to repair the blood-testing machine before the morning shift.
lab tech — noun + noun compound (workplace role)
Imani worked as an engineering tech at a solar panel company for six years.
The IT tech at school fixed the classroom projector in less than ten minutes.
The audio tech set up the microphones and speakers before the concert began.
- technician
the full form; 'tech' is shorter and more informal
- engineer
requires more formal qualifications in most contexts
用法筆記
Often used with a preceding word specifying the field — lab tech, IT tech, engineering tech. Common in job titles and workplace speech.
4. short for 'technical school'; an educational institution that focuses on hands-o
short for 'technical school'; an educational institution that focuses on hands-on training in fields like car repair, electronics, or health care
After high school, Joaquín enrolled at a local tech to study automotive repair.
local tech — adjective + noun (school)
Élise chose a tech over a university because she preferred hands-on training in welding.
Salma's parents sent her to a tech because she loved working with her hands.
The local tech offers evening classes in computer networking and cybersecurity.
- technical school
the full form; 'tech' is a shortening
- vocational school
US English, similar meaning
- trade school
focuses on skilled trades like plumbing or carpentry
用法筆記
Countable — a tech (school) / the tech. More common in the UK and Australia than in the US, where 'vocational school' or 'trade school' is typical.
tech — abbreviation
1. written abbreviation for 'technical' or 'technically', used in notes, forms, and
written abbreviation for 'technical' or 'technically', used in notes, forms, and informal documents
The file was labelled 'tech. review' before it went to the engineering manager.
tech. (with period) — written abbreviation
The email subject line read 'tech. support request — urgent'.
Please see the tech. drawings attached to this message.
Ravindra wrote 'tech. details to follow' at the bottom of the memo.
The form had a box labelled 'tech. specifications' on the second page.
用法筆記
Usually followed by a full stop in formal writing (tech.). In very informal notes the period may be omitted.
2. written abbreviation for 'technological', used in notes, charts, and technical d
written abbreviation for 'technological', used in notes, charts, and technical documentation
The chart on page three shows major tech. advances in battery storage since 2015.
tech. advances — abbreviation for technological + noun
The report described several tech. breakthroughs in renewable energy since 2020.
tech. breakthroughs — abbreviation for technological
The memo used the heading 'tech. innovations' to list new product features.
Nadia found the word 'tech. feasibility' in the project proposal.
The conference programme included a session on tech. trends in medicine.
用法筆記
Less common than the abbreviation for 'technical'; context determines which full form is intended.