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subroutine

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: //sʌbˈruːtiːn//

KK: /sʌbˈruːtin/

noun
Definition

A set of instructions in programming that performs a specific task and can be called from other parts of a program.


Example

The programmer wrote a subroutine to handle user input efficiently.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever worked with a subroutine in your coding projects?
Sloth B
Yeah, I used one to simplify my main program last week.
Sloth A
That's smart! It really helps to keep the code organized, right?
Sloth B
Absolutely! It makes everything so much easier to manage.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
procedure
function
method
Antonyms
main
primary
routine
Root Explanation

Subroutine → It is formed from "sub-" (meaning under or below) and "routine" (from Old French *routine*, meaning a regular course of action). The word "subroutine" refers to a set of instructions that operates under the main routine, functioning as a smaller part of a larger program.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'routine' that operates 'under' ('sub-') the main tasks — that's why a subroutine is a smaller, supporting set of instructions.

Visually Confused Words
routine
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