hardwired
/ˈhɑːdˌwaɪəd/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
Built into a machine, system, or brain in a way that is fixed and difficult to change. It can also mean strongly built into someone's habits or reactions.
- The safety setting is hardwired into the device.
- She seems hardwired to worry about deadlines.
Adinary Nuance
Hardwired is stronger than built in or set up. It suggests something is fixed at a deep level and not easy to change. Writers use it for machines, but also for human habits, instincts, or beliefs. It is often more forceful than natural or automatic.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- được lập trình sẵn
- Spanish
- preconfigurado
- Chinese
- 硬编码的
- Japanese
- ハードワイヤード
- Korean
- 하드와이어드
Etymology
Hardwired comes from hardware and wire. It became common in the 20th century for computer and electronics systems, then spread to everyday English for fixed habits or instincts.
Common phrases
hardwired into the brainhardwired responsehardwired for success
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is hardwired used for people or only machines?
- It is used for both. For machines, it means fixed in the system. For people, it means a strong habit or instinct.
- Is hardwired formal or informal?
- It is neutral and common in writing, including academic writing. It is also used in everyday speech.
- What is the difference between hardwired and wired?
- Wired usually means connected with wires or nervous and tense. Hardwired means fixed at a deep level, especially in a system or habit.