A register is a specific kind of speech pattern that differs depending on the situation and audience. For example, someone speaking in a formal setting might use more formal vocabulary and grammatical conventions than when addressing friends. The term is often used in linguistics to describe how different varieties of language are used for different purposes and in different social contexts, and the study of register can help us understand more about the ways that people communicate.
The word register can be used as a noun, as in the actual book people record things in, or as a verb, meaning to sign up for something officially, like registering for classes at the beginning of the semester or registering a vehicle with the DMV. It can also refer to the range of sound a voice or instrument can produce, as in the musical register, or the amount of pressure a gauge or scale registers when it is pressed down on it. A register can also be a place where information is stored, such as a stock exchange or public registry.
In computer science, a register is one of a small set of data storage places in a processor that can hold instructions or bits of information and manipulate them quickly, reducing the need to frequently access slower main memory for tasks such as adding or subtracting. Different registers are used for different kinds of processing, and some instructions specifically use a particular type of register.
Registries are used to store and record important information, such as births, deaths, marriages and other official events. They are also used to track information on people, including their financial and legal status. For instance, companies need to register their shareholdings and other information with the government in order to conduct business. Similarly, someone may need to register their copyright with the intellectual property office in order to claim ownership of an original work.
Language registers are the varying varieties of speech or writing used in different situations, and can be determined by who you’re communicating with and what the situation is. For example, formal language is typically used in professional settings and when talking to a headteacher. Casual language is usually used with friends, acquaintances and colleagues, while intimate language is reserved for a select few – like inside jokes between two college friends or words whispered into a lover’s ear.
In music, the term register describes the range of sounds a certain instrument can produce and indicates how high or low its pitch is. For example, a violin has a higher register than a cello. The term can also be applied to a voice, with a lower register meaning a deeper voice and a higher register meaning a more nasal tone. It can also be used to refer to the pitch of an individual note or chord, with higher notes being played on brass and woodwind instruments. A singer’s vocal register can also change, depending on the style and genre of their music.