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a preset option or value that is automatically selected if no other choice is made
You can customize the default font in your word processor.
You can change the preset font that appears automatically in your word processor.
Common in software and system configurations.
a failure to meet a financial obligation or legal responsibility
The company went into default after failing to repay its loans.
The company failed to meet its financial obligations and was declared in default.
In finance, this often leads to legal consequences.
a preset condition or state that applies when no other option is chosen
The default behavior of the system is to save files automatically.
The system is preset to save files automatically unless changed.
Used in both technical and everyday contexts.
Be mindful of the context when using 'default'—it has different meanings in technology and finance.
Always consider the field (technology, finance, or general use) when interpreting 'default'.
From Old French 'default' (failure), from Latin 'defallere' (to fail).
In technology, 'default' refers to preset options. In finance, it refers to failure to repay debt. Avoid confusing the two meanings.