system
system
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "system" is /ˈsɪstəm/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:
ˈsɪs-təm
ˈsɪs:
/s/ - voiceless alveolar fricative
/ɪ/ - short front unrounded vowel
təm:
/t/ - voiceless alveolar stop
/ə/ - schwa (reduced vowel)
/m/ - bilabial nasal consonant
Word Form Variations
Singular: system
Plural: systems
Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
(Noun)
Definition: A set of interconnected parts or elements that work together to achieve a specific goal or function.
Synonyms: network, mechanism, arrangement, structure
Antonyms: chaos, disorder, randomness
Examples:
The solar system consists of the Sun and its planets.
The human body is a complex system of organs and tissues.
The company has implemented a new accounting system.
System (Verb)
Definition: To organize or arrange in a systematic manner; to place in a system.
Synonyms: arrange, classify, categorize, order
Antonyms: disorganize, randomize, jumble
Examples:
The librarian systematized the books according to their subject matter.
The teacher systematized the lesson plan for better understanding.
Systematic (Adjective)
Definition: Characterized by or done according to a system; methodical; organized.
Synonyms: methodical, orderly, planned, regular
Antonyms: haphazard, random, disorganized, chaotic
Examples:
The detective conducted a systematic search of the crime scene.
The company has a systematic approach to quality control.
Systematically (Adverb)
Definition: In a systematic manner; methodically; according to a system.
Synonyms: methodically, orderly, regularly, planned
Antonyms: haphazardly, randomly, chaotically
Examples:
The scientist systematically collected data for the experiment.
The team systematically reviewed the project proposal.
Examples of Use
Books
Scientific Literature: "The human nervous system is a complex network of cells that controls all aspects of our behavior." (Kandel, Schwartz, & Jessell, 2000, Principles of Neural Science)
Fiction: "The old man had a system for catching fish that he had perfected over many years." (Hemingway, 1952, The Old Man and the Sea)
Newspapers
Business: "The company is implementing a new accounting system to improve efficiency and accuracy." (The Wall Street Journal)
Technology: "The latest update to the operating system includes several new features and bug fixes." (TechCrunch)
Online Publications
Education: "The educational system in Kenya has undergone significant reforms in recent years." (Kenya Education News)
Health: "The healthcare system in the United States is facing challenges due to rising costs and limited access." (The Atlantic)
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
Video Games: "The game's combat system is fast-paced and challenging." (IGN)
Movies: "The social system in the futuristic city is deeply flawed and oppressive." (The Matrix)
General Public Discourse
Politics: "The political system in the country is corrupt and needs to be reformed." (BBC News)
Sports: "The team's defensive system is vulnerable to quick passes." (ESPN)
10 Famous Quotes Using the term System
"The system is rigged." (Common phrase used in political discourse)
"A system is a set of interconnected parts that work together to achieve a specific goal." (A common definition of "system")
"The only thing that is constant is change. The system must adapt." (Attributed to Heraclitus, an ancient Greek philosopher)
"The system is designed to keep people in their place." (A common critique of social and economic systems)
"The solar system is a marvel of nature." (A common statement about the universe)
"The human body is a complex system of organs and tissues." (A common statement about human biology)
"The legal system is designed to ensure justice." (A common statement about the justice system)
"The educational system is failing our children." (A common critique of education systems)
"The political system is broken." (A common critique of political systems)
"The system is designed to benefit the wealthy." (A common critique of economic systems)
Etymology
The word "system" comes from the ancient Greek word "systema," which means "a whole made up of parts." This word was first used around the 4th century BC to describe the arrangement of stars in the sky.
Over time, the meaning of "system" has expanded to include any organized group of things that work together to achieve a specific goal. For example, we can talk about the solar system, the human body system, or a computer system.
Phrases + Idioms Containing the term System
Common Phrases:
The system is rigged: A phrase used to suggest that a system is unfair or biased.
The system is broken: A phrase used to indicate that a system is not functioning properly.
The system is designed to benefit the wealthy: A phrase used to criticize a system that favors the rich over the poor.
The system is in place: A phrase used to indicate that a system is established and functioning.
The system is down: A phrase used to indicate that a system is not working.
Less Common Phrases and Idioms:
To be part of the system: To be involved in a system, often in a negative sense.
To go against the system: To challenge or defy a system.
To be caught in the system: To be trapped or constrained by a system.
To be a cog in the machine: To be a small, insignificant part of a larger system.
To be a system-breaker: To be someone who challenges or disrupts a system.
Idioms with Synonyms:
To be a cog in the machine: To be a small, insignificant part of a larger system. (Similar to "to be a cog in the wheel")
To be part of the system: To be involved in a system, often in a negative sense. (Similar to "to be in the thick of things")
To go against the system: To challenge or defy a system. (Similar to "to rebel against the establishment")
Posts Related to System
Source Information
Definition of system from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.