Definition

A file on a computer that holds information for use by software or systems.

Example

The software requires a datafile to function properly.

Conversation

Have you seen the new datafile I sent you yesterday?

Yeah, I checked it out; it looks really organized!

I was worried the datafile might be too complicated to understand.

Not at all! It was super easy to follow.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Datafile → It is formed from "data" (from Latin "datum", meaning something given) and "file" (from Old French "fil", meaning a thread or line). The word "datafile" refers to a file that contains data or information organized in a specific format.

Memory Tip

Think of 'data' as something 'given' and 'file' as a way to organize it, so a datafile is a way to organize given information.

Visually Confused Words