1
Become aware
Enter conscious notice or understanding.
Example
The warning did not register until the lights failed.
register
/ˈrɛdʒɪstə/ · REJ-ih-stuhverb and noun
To record or become aware of something; also, an official record or range.
Use register when the context supports this precise meaning: to record or become aware of something; also, an official record or range.
What register Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Record a measurement
Detect and document a value or event.
Example
The sensor registered a sudden temperature increase.
3
Official record
A formal list of names, events, or items.
Example
The building appears on the national register.
Use register Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The warning did not register until the lights failed.
The sensor registered a sudden temperature increase.
The building appears on the national register.
Precision Matters
Register overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
register
vs.Means to record or become aware of something; also, an official record or range.
record
Means preserve information in a durable form.
register
vs.Means to record or become aware of something; also, an official record or range.
recognize
Means identify or become aware of something.
register
vs.Means to record or become aware of something; also, an official record or range.
overlook
Means fail to notice or consider.
register
vs.Means to record or become aware of something; also, an official record or range.
manifestation
Means an observable sign, expression, or form of something underlying.
Test register in Context
The limitation did not enter their conscious awareness.
1
Focused on the headline, many readers failed to ___ the qualification in the final sentence.