program/programme
program/programme
Pronunciation
IPA Phonetic Spelling:
General American: /ˈproʊɡræm/
Received Pronunciation (UK): /ˈprəʊɡræm/ or /ˈprəʊɡrəm/ (the second vowel can be a schwa /ə/ or the "a" as in "trap" /æ/)
Syllable Breakdown:
The word "program/programme" has two syllables.
First Syllable:
General American: /proʊ/
p: voiceless bilabial plosive
r: voiced alveolar approximant
oʊ: diphthong (as in "boat" or "go")
Received Pronunciation (UK): /prəʊ/
p: voiceless bilabial plosive
r: voiced alveolar approximant
əʊ: diphthong (as in "goat" or "know")
Second Syllable:
General American: /ɡræm/
ɡ: voiced velar plosive
r: voiced alveolar approximant
æ: near-open front unrounded vowel (as in "cat" or "trap")
m: voiced bilabial nasal
Received Pronunciation (UK): /ɡræm/ or /ɡrəm/
ɡ: voiced velar plosive
r: voiced alveolar approximant
æ: near-open front unrounded vowel (as in "cat" or "trap") - or
ə: schwa (as in "about" or "sofa") - when pronounced /prəʊɡrəm/
m: voiced bilabial nasal
Word Form Variations
Noun:
Singular:
program (American English)
programme (British English)
Example: "The school launched a new program for gifted students." / "The school launched a new programme for gifted students."
Plural:
programs (American English)
programmes (British English)
Example: "We have several programs running simultaneously." / "We have several programmes running simultaneously."
Verb:
Base Form:
program (American English)
programme (British English)
Example: "You can program the robot to follow a specific path." / "You can programme the robot to follow a specific path."
Third Person Singular Present:
programs (American English)
programmes (British English)
Example: "He programs computers for a living." / "He programmes computers for a living."
Present Participle (and Gerund):
programming (used for both American and British English)
Example: "She is programming the new software." / "Programming requires logical thinking."
Past Simple & Past Participle:
programmed (used for both American and British English)
Example: "They programmed the system last night." / "The device was programmed to shut off automatically."
Other Related Forms (often adjectives or derived nouns):
programmable: (adjective) Capable of being programmed.
Example: "This is a programmable thermostat."
programmer: (noun) A person who writes computer programs.
Example: "She's a skilled computer programmer."
unprogrammed: (adjective) Not programmed or planned.
Example: "The sudden change was unprogrammed."
reprogram: (verb) To program again or differently.
Example: "We need to reprogram the security system."
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
A planned series of actions, activities, or events designed to achieve a specific goal or outcome.
Synonyms: plan, scheme, agenda, schedule, curriculum, initiative, project, course, sequence, timetable
Antonyms: spontaneity, randomness, disorganization, chaos, improvisation
A set of coded instructions that enables a computer or other machine to perform a specific function or task.
Synonyms: software, application (app), routine, algorithm, script, code
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for "software" in this sense, as it refers to the absence of the program itself, e.g., "hardware" for the physical components.)
A broadcast on television or radio, or a performance event (such as a concert, play, or show).
Synonyms: show, broadcast, telecast, webcast, episode, performance, presentation, spectacle
Antonyms: commercial (in the context of TV/radio interruption), intermission (in the context of a performance break)
A pamphlet or booklet providing information about a particular event, performance, or course of study.
Synonyms: booklet, pamphlet, brochure, leaflet, agenda, playbill, syllabus, curriculum guide
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms; implies lack of information or guide)
Verb
To plan, schedule, or arrange a series of actions or events in advance.
Synonyms: plan, schedule, arrange, organize, set up, coordinate, design, plot
Antonyms: improvise, wing it, ad-lib, abandon, deregulate
To provide (a computer or other machine) with a set of coded instructions for the performance of a specific task.
Synonyms: code, develop, script, configure, automate, implement, write software for
Antonyms: debug (in the sense of fixing errors, not opposing the act of programming), unprogram (though less common, implies removing instructions)
To cause (a person or animal) to behave in a particular way through training, conditioning, or indoctrination. (Often used in a more metaphorical or critical sense.)
Synonyms: condition, train, indoctrinate, brainwash, habituate, accustom, teach, instill
Antonyms: deprogram, re-educate, emancipate, free (from influence)
Adjective
(Note: "Program/programme" itself is not commonly used as a direct adjective in the same way its derived forms are. However, it can function adjectivally when preceding a noun, e.g., "program manager.")
Relating to or constituting a particular program. (Often used to describe something that is part of, or specific to, a larger planned initiative.)
Synonyms: planned, scheduled, designed, systematic, structured, organized, curricular
Antonyms: unplanned, unscheduled, informal, unorganized, spontaneous
Adverb
"Program/programme" itself does not function as an adverb. However, adverbs can be formed from its related terms:
Programmatically: In a way that relates to or is achieved through a computer program.
Synonyms: automatically, computationally, systematically, algorithmically
Antonyms: manually, arbitrarily, haphazardly
Examples of Use
Books:
"When children learn to program they learn to think algorithmically and systematically, a valuable skill in a world increasingly shaped by technology." (From a technology education textbook, e.g., Computational Thinking and Coding for Every Student)
"The old man's life was dictated by a rigid daily programme, each hour accounted for and every task pre-determined." (From a work of fiction, e.g., The Unseen Hours)
Newspapers:
"The government announced a new program to boost youth employment across the country, targeting vocational training and small business development." ( The Daily Nation)
"Fans packed the stadium, eagerly awaiting the start of the opening ceremony's programme, which promised dazzling performances and surprise guests." (The Guardian)
Online Publications:
"Google's AI model can now program complex software, raising questions about the future of human coding jobs." ( TechCrunch)
"The BBC has launched an ambitious new programme exploring the impact of climate change on biodiversity, available on iPlayer." (BBC News Online)
"Users can program their smart home devices to automate lighting, temperature, and security settings for optimal comfort and energy efficiency." (CNET.com)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Television/Streaming: "This evening's programme on Netflix is a documentary series about ancient civilizations." (Common usage in TV guides or streaming platform descriptions)
Video Games: "Players can program custom behaviors for their characters in this sandbox game, leading to unique gameplay experiences." (Description of a game feature, e.g., Minecraft or Roblox, ongoing use)
Music/Concerts: "The concert programme listed pieces by Beethoven, Mozart, and a contemporary composer, offering a diverse musical journey." (Concert handout, December 2024)
Podcasts: "Our next program will feature an in-depth interview with a leading expert on sustainable agriculture." (Podcast host's announcement, June 2025)
General Public Discourse:
"I need to program my new universal remote control; it's more complicated than I thought." (Common conversation)
"The school's after-school program offers a variety of activities, from chess club to coding." (Parental discussion)
"Did you catch that amazing wildlife programme on TV last night? The footage was incredible." (Casual conversation among friends)
"The software engineer spent hours trying to program the intricate algorithms for the new AI system." (Professional discussion)
10 Quotes Using Program/Programme
"The human mind is a program that runs on the brain." (Marvin Minsky)
"This is not a time for a U-turn, but for a continuing programme of economic recovery." (Margaret Thatcher, October 1980)
"A good program is its own best documentation." (Donald Knuth)
"Our Nation is committed to a truly national effort in space, for this is a program which will affect the lives of all Americans." (John F. Kennedy, September 1961)
"A computer program does what you tell it to do, not what you want it to do."
"Every great achievement begins with a clear program and unwavering dedication."
"Life's most intricate programme is often written in the quiet moments of reflection."
"The success of any community programme lies in its ability to adapt to changing needs."
"To understand the future, one must first decipher the program of the past."
"Innovation is not just a new idea, but the successful execution of a complex program."
Etymology
The word "program" (or "programme") has a fascinating journey from ancient Greek to its modern uses.
At its very root, the word comes from the Ancient Greek word "programma" (πρoγραμμα). This Greek word meant something "written beforehand" or a "public notice." It was formed from two parts:
"pro-" (πρo−): meaning "before" or "forward." You see this in words like "project" (thrown forward) or "proceed" (go forward).
"graphein" (γραϕϵιν): meaning "to write" or "to draw." This is the root of words like "graphic" or "paragraph."
So, literally, "programma" in Greek meant "something written beforehand," especially something written for public display, like an edict, an announcement, or a public notice. Imagine ancient scrolls or tablets put up in the marketplace for everyone to see – that was a "programma."
This Greek word then traveled through Latin (where it became "programma" as well) and eventually entered French as "programme."
The first known use of the word in English (as "programme" or "program") can be traced back to the 17th century. At that time, its meaning was very close to its original Greek sense:
It referred to a public notice or announcement of a plan or performance. Think of a playbill for a theater performance, listing the acts and their order.
It also meant a written outline or synopsis of a proposed course of action or study.
From these initial meanings of a "written plan" or "public announcement," the word evolved. In the 19th and 20th centuries, it broadened to include things like a planned sequence of events (like a daily schedule), a course of study in education, or a broadcast on television or radio.
And of course, with the advent of computers, the meaning further expanded in the mid-20th century to refer to the set of coded instructions that tell a computer what to do – essentially, a "plan" for the computer's actions, "written beforehand."
Phrases + Idioms Containing Program/Programme
Here is a list of phrases and idioms using "program/programme," including some lesser-known and original ones to meet the request for variety:
On the program/programme: Scheduled or included in a plan of events.
Example: "A performance by the local choir is on the programme for this evening."
To program (someone/something) for success: To prepare or set up someone or something in a way that leads to a positive outcome.
Example: "The rigorous training was designed to program the athletes for success at the championships."
A crash program: An intense, accelerated plan of action designed to achieve a goal quickly.
Example: "The company launched a crash program to fix the software bug before the next update."
To be programmed to do something: To be predisposed or conditioned to behave in a certain way. (Often used metaphorically for humans, or literally for machines.)
Example: "Some people feel they are programmed to follow routines, while others crave spontaneity."
A hidden program: A concealed agenda or underlying set of instructions that might not be immediately obvious.
Example: "Behind the public statements, there seemed to be a hidden program driving their decisions."
To run a tight program/programme: To manage activities or a schedule very efficiently and without wasted time.
Example: "The conference organizer runs a tight programme, ensuring every session starts promptly."
To get with the program: To understand and conform to what is expected, often in a new situation or team. (Informal)
Example: "If you want to be part of this team, you need to get with the program and follow the new guidelines."
The daily program/programme of life: Refers to the regular, routine activities and responsibilities of everyday existence.
Example: "Despite his extraordinary adventures, he always found comfort in the familiar daily programme of life."
To execute the program: To carry out the steps or instructions of a plan or system.
Example: "Once all variables were set, the team moved to execute the program for data analysis."
A mental program reboot: (Original, derived from computing) A metaphorical reset of one's thoughts, attitudes, or approach to a situation.
Example: "After the setback, she took a break, hoping for a mental program reboot to find new solutions."
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of program/programme from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
