WordValetoken
a digital unit representing data, access, or value
In more detail
1. (noun) a piece of metal or plastic that you use instead of money, especially to operate a machine
2. (noun) a symbol or sign that represents something
3. (noun) proof that something is true or that someone did something
Examples
- 1. You need to insert a token into the parking meter.
- 2. The gift was a small token of our appreciation.
- 3. He showed his ID token at the airport security checkpoint.
How to use token
Token has three main senses: a physical substitute for currency (parking token), a symbolic representation or proof of something (a token of goodwill), and figuratively something done superficially to appear to address an issue (token efforts). In the figurative sense, it often carries a mildly critical tone, suggesting something is done merely for appearances rather than sincerely.
Common phrases
- token gesture
- token of appreciation
- token payment
- token resistance
- by the same token
- as a token of
Synonyms
chip · counter · voucher · symbol · sign
Word family
tokens (plural)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 'by the same token' (meaning 'for the same reason' or 'similarly') with 'in the same way', though they are similar enough that this causes little confusion in practice.
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