software English · revision 3333

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=compound|attested=1958|origins=en soft, en ware}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: UK /ˈsɒft.weə/, US /ˈsɑːft.wer/^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is a compound, [[af|en|soft|ware]],^(Etymonline)^(SOED 2002) coined in the computing sense on the model of [[hardware]].^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ An earlier ''soft-wares'', woollen or cotton fabrics and other perishable goods, is recorded by 1820.^(Etymonline)^(SOED 2002) The computing sense is a separate coinage, from 1958 in Merriam-Webster^(MWU 2024) and by 1960 in Etymonline and the OED.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ The computing sense means the programs and routines that direct a computer, as opposed to the machine itself, the hardware.^(AHD)^(OED 1989) The OED's 1960 example refers especially to system programs such as compilers and library routines.^(OED 1989) Transferred and figurative uses date from 1963,^(OED 1989) and ''software engineering'' from 1969.^(OED 1989) Collins also lists video cassettes and discs for a video system.^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1820 – ''soft-wares'', textiles and perishable goods.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1958 – computer programs.^(MWU 2024)

+ * 1963 – figurative use.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1969 – ''software engineering''.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # The programs and other [[data]] that direct the operation of a [[computer]], as distinguished from the [[hardware]].^(AHD)^(MW Collegiate)

+ # Recorded material such as video discs for use with a particular system.^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[firmware]]

+ * [[freeware]]

+ * [[shareware]]

+ * [[wetware]]

+ * [[systems software]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[vaporware]]

+ * [[hardware]]

+ * [[soft]]

+ * [[ware]]

+ * [[wares]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}