digitize
DIJ-i-tyze
ˈdɪdʒɪtaɪz
To convert pictures or information into a digital form that can be processed by a computer.
Often used in the context of preserving old physical records by making digital copies.
The story behind the word. From 'digit', which comes from the Latin 'digitus' (finger), because people used their fingers to count. Since computers use numbers (digits) to store data, the word evolved to this modern meaning.
Word relationships
- scan: Scanning is the physical act; digitizing is the broader process of converting to data.
- computerize: Computerize means to start using computers for a task; digitize specifically means converting the data itself.
Commonly confused with
- archive: Digitizing is a method of preservation; archiving is the act of long-term storage.
Word family
- digitization (noun): The process of converting information into digital format.
- digital (adjective): Expressed as series of the digits 0 and 1.
Collocations
- digitize records
- digitize a collection
- fully digitized
Example sentences
- "The project aims to digitize all the newspapers published in the state before 1900." Library science
- "Many companies are trying to digitize their workflows to reduce paper waste." Business
Memory hook
You use your 'digits' (fingers) to type and 'digitize' info. Turn into data.
When not to use
Don't use 'digitize' if you are just taking a casual photo; it usually refers to a systematic process of conversion.
Fun facts
- Google Books has digitized over 40 million book titles since the project began in 2004.
Explore more words
Digital, transcribe, preservation, preserve, conceptualize, modernize
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.