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0 English - Dictionary monolingual

Buffer

ˈbəfər
Common
~ 4300
~ 4300, Common
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
a person or thing that reduces the impact of a shock or a problem, a temporary storage area in a computer's memory, a person or thing that reduces the impact of a force or a change, to lessen the impact of something or to act as a cushion

Buffer - Meanings

a person or thing that reduces the impact of a shock or a problem

Example: The airbags in the car act as a buffer in case of a collision.
Usage: formalContext: engineering, safety, and technology discussions
Note: This meaning is often used in technical contexts to describe a protective barrier or mechanism.

a temporary storage area in a computer's memory

Example: The buffer helps speed up data transfer between the hard drive and the processor.
Usage: formalContext: computing and technology
Note: In computing, a buffer is a reserved memory space used for temporary storage during data transfer processes.

a person or thing that reduces the impact of a force or a change

Example: The negotiations served as a buffer against further conflicts between the two parties.
Usage: formalContext: diplomacy, politics, and international relations
Note: This meaning is often used metaphorically to describe something that lessens the intensity of a situation or conflict.

to lessen the impact of something or to act as a cushion

Example: She tried to buffer the news by delivering it gently.
Usage: informalContext: everyday conversations
Note: In informal contexts, 'buffer' can be used as a verb to describe softening the blow of information or an event.

Buffer's synonyms

cushion

A cushion is a soft object used to reduce the force of an impact or to make something more comfortable.
Example: She used a cushion to buffer the impact of the fall.
Note: Cushion specifically refers to a soft object used for comfort or protection, whereas buffer can have a broader meaning related to protection or separation.

insulate

To insulate means to protect or shield from something harmful or to prevent the passage of heat, electricity, or sound.
Example: The thick walls insulated the house from the noise outside.
Note: Insulate focuses on protection or prevention, often related to heat, electricity, or sound, while buffer has a broader sense of protection or separation.

shield

A shield is a protective device or structure used to defend against harm or danger.
Example: The knight used his shield to buffer himself from the enemy's attacks.
Note: Shield emphasizes protection from harm or danger, similar to buffer but with a more direct connotation of defense.

Buffer expressions, common phrases

Buffer zone

A buffer zone is an area that serves as a protective barrier between two opposing forces or entities to prevent conflict or interference.
Example: The forest acts as a buffer zone between the two conflicting communities.
Note: The original word 'buffer' refers to something that reduces shock or serves as a cushion, while 'buffer zone' extends this concept to a designated area for protection.

Buffer state

A buffer state is a country located between larger, more powerful countries, serving as a neutral zone to prevent direct conflict between them.
Example: Switzerland has historically been a buffer state between powerful nations.
Note: Similar to 'buffer zone,' 'buffer state' expands on the idea of protection and neutrality by referring to an entire country.

Buffer overflow

A buffer overflow occurs when a program writes more data to a buffer than it can hold, leading to memory corruption and potential security vulnerabilities.
Example: The program crashed due to a buffer overflow caused by too much data input.
Note: In computing, 'buffer overflow' refers to a specific issue related to memory management, different from the general concept of 'buffer' as a cushion or reserve.

Buffer stock

A buffer stock refers to a reserve supply of goods or commodities held to mitigate the impact of fluctuations in supply and demand.
Example: The government maintains a buffer stock of essential food items to stabilize prices during emergencies.
Note: While 'buffer' implies a protective function, 'buffer stock' specifically relates to maintaining reserves for market stability.

Buffer solution

A buffer solution is a solution that resists changes in pH when an acid or base is added, making it useful in maintaining stable conditions in chemical reactions.
Example: The scientist prepared a buffer solution to maintain a constant pH during the experiment.
Note: The term 'buffer solution' applies the concept of 'buffer' to chemistry, emphasizing its role in maintaining a stable environment for reactions.

Buffering

Buffering refers to the process of preloading data to ensure smooth playback of media files, especially in online streaming services.
Example: The video paused for a moment while it was buffering.
Note: In this context, 'buffering' refers to the temporary storage of data to prevent interruptions in playback, distinct from the broader concepts of 'buffer' as a protective barrier or reserve.

Social buffer

A social buffer refers to the support and protection provided by social connections, which can help individuals cope with challenging situations.
Example: Having close friends can act as a social buffer against stress and anxiety.
Note: The term 'social buffer' extends the idea of 'buffer' to interpersonal relationships, emphasizing the role of social support in mitigating negative effects.

Buffer everyday (slang) expressions

Buffer up

To study or prepare oneself intensively on a particular topic or subject.
Example: I need to buffer up on my knowledge before the exam.
Note: Differs from 'buffer' as it implies actively enhancing knowledge or skills.

Buffer room

A space or time allocated for handling unforeseen circumstances or tasks.
Example: I need a buffer room in my schedule for unexpected tasks.
Note: Differs from 'buffer' as it emphasizes preparedness for unexpected events.

Buffer cash

Additional or spare money set aside for unforeseen expenses or emergencies.
Example: I always keep a bit of buffer cash in case of emergencies.
Note: Differs from 'buffer' as it specifically refers to reserved funds for emergencies.

Buffer game

An extra or casual game not part of a formal competition or arrangement.
Example: Let's have a buffer game of pool before heading home.
Note: Differs from 'buffer' as it denotes an informal or impromptu activity.

Buffer zone it

To temporarily postpone or set aside an issue or task for future consideration.
Example: Can we just buffer zone it for now and come back to it later?
Note: Differs from 'buffer' as it suggests delaying rather than addressing immediately.

Buffer chill

To relax or take things easy without any pressure or stress.
Example: Let's just have a buffer chill day at the beach.
Note: Differs from 'buffer' as it conveys a sense of relaxation and leisure.

Buffer break

A short pause or rest taken between tasks or activities.
Example: I need a buffer break before I start on the next project.
Note: Differs from 'buffer' as it emphasizes a temporary pause rather than continuous work.

Buffer - Examples

The buffer zone between the two countries is heavily guarded.
The buffer in the car's suspension system helps absorb shocks.
I need to buffer my schedule to make time for unexpected tasks.

Buffer grammar

Buffer - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: buffer
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): buffers
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): buffer
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): buffered
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): buffering
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): buffers
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): buffer
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): buffer
Syllables, Separation and Stress
buffer Contains 2 syllables: buff • er
Phonetic transcription: ˈbə-fər
buff er , ˈbə fər (The red syllable is stressed)

Buffer - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
buffer: ~ 4300 (Common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.