default value
If you don’t specify a size, the program uses the default value.
The program uses the pre‑assigned value when none is given.
A value automatically assigned to a variable, parameter, or setting when no explicit value is provided.
The function’s timeout parameter has a default value of 30 seconds.
If you don’t set a timeout, the function will wait 30 seconds before stopping.
Default values can often be overridden by user input or configuration files.
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Antonyms
Related Phrases
Word Origin
From the verb 'default' (Middle English, from Old French 'defaulter' meaning 'to fail to fulfill a duty') combined with 'value' (from Latin 'valere' – to be strong, worth). The phrase entered computing jargon in the 1960s with early programming languages that allowed automatic initialisation of variables.
Usage Notes
Common in programming, databases, and configuration files. Always check documentation because a default value may not be the optimal or safest choice.