system - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
system Word Meanings
- a set of connected things or parts forming a complex whole
- a group of interacting or interrelated entities
- a method or plan to achieve a goal
system Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
system Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈsɪstəm/
US
/ˈsɪstəm/
system Word Etymology
sisterm = si- (together) + stem (to stand) → Latin 'systema' → Old French 'sistema' → English. Imagine a 'system' like a spider web, where each thread supports another, all working together as a whole.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I place my hands on a messy desk and move objects into tidy order. I push a button, adjust a shelf, and watch each part shift into a pattern that fits. The effort tightens as I keep nudging, turning the setup this way and that, feeling more in control. Soon the pieces hold together and I sense a usable whole forming, like a living system.
Real Context
A system is a set of parts that work together to form a complex, functioning whole, where each piece depends on and supports the others. This idea covers natural systems like ecosystems and human-made ones such as organizations, networks, and machines. A system typically has roles, rules, feedback, and boundaries that shape behavior and outcomes. When you study 'system' in English, you can describe a structure (the system of government), a method (a payment system), or an approach (a system for organizing tasks). The etymology reminds us of linking pieces to stand together, like a spider web, with each thread reinforcing the whole.
Usage Reminders
- Use system for a coordinated set of parts or procedures.
- Combine with specific domains: a legal system, an educational system, a computer system.
- Distinguish between a structure (system) and a method (method/system).
- In tech, prefer 'operating system' or 'system update' rather than just 'system'.
- Note plural and adjective forms: systems, systemic.
Common Misconceptions
- System equals a single part rather than a set of interdependent parts.
- System only refers to machines or software.
- System is always synonymous with method.
- A system cannot exist in non-technical contexts.
- Every system is the same; there is no need to consider boundaries or feedback.
Thinking Differences
In English, system often signals an organized, interdependent whole. Learners may overemphasize the machine/tech sense or assume the word always means a step-by-step method; focus on context and collocations like government, educational, or payment systems.
Learning Tips
- Learn key collocations: education system, legal system, payment system, operating system.
- Differentiate system from method; use 'systematic' for organized processes.
- Practice with both concrete structures (a tax system) and abstract methods (a system for grading).
- Listen for context clues to identify whether 'system' refers to structure, method, or process.
- Pay attention to count nouns vs. collective sense; 'a system' vs. 'systems'.
- Note adjectives like systemic or systemic risk when describing interdependent parts.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'system'?
A.Collection of shoes
B.Network of computers
C.Set of rules
D.Group of animals
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'system' correctly?
A.The dog went to the vet for a system checkup.
B.The teacher used a system to grade the tests.
C.The solar system consists of planets and asteroids.
D.I organized my clothes in a system way.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'system'?
A.Structure
B.Danger
C.Excitement
D.Confusion
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'system'?
A.Chaos
B.Organization
C.Control
D.Pattern
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give an example of a real-life scenario of 'system'?
A.Maintaining a filing system in an office.
B.Eating a delicious meal at a restaurant.
C.Taking a nap in the park.
D.Watching a movie with friends.
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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