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preformatted

5.6

Text shown so spacing and line breaks stay the same, like code

adjective
/ˌpriːˈfɔːrmætɪd/

Specialized

: preformateado

He used a preformatted document to present the data neatly during his presentation.
preformatted table

Examples

Mean percentages, standard deviations, and t-test results for statistical and subjective weightings: preformatted table.

Academic text (1994)
The optimum string score at the end of the utterance is given by a preformatted table.

Academic text (1992)
The website allows users to upload preformatted text, ensuring it looks the same on any device.
When coding, using preformatted blocks can help maintain the intended layout of the text.

Antonyms

unformatted

4.2

Has no paragraphs, headings, or clear layout

Surface Forms

preformatted positive

Morphology

preformatted = formatted (semi-transparent) = pre + format + ed

The broad sense 'formatted in advance' is clear, but the specific computing meaning involving preserved spacing and line breaks is conventional and specialized.

Etymology

Preformatted starts with pre- ('before') and has format ('layout'), and in computing it means the spaces and line breaks were kept as they were made before display. That's why preformatted text shows exactly the same spacing and makes code or messages easier to read.