A register is a type of computer memory built directly into the processor or CPU (Central Processing Unit). It holds data and instructions needed for immediate processing. Registers are small and temporary, made up of flip-flops that hold binary information — either a 0 or a 1. The data stored in a register can be retrieved faster than from main memory. This enables the CPU to process instructions more quickly and efficiently.
Register is also a verb, used to sign up or be listed in an official capacity like with the DMV or a school. The term can be used in more casual settings as well, for example when someone registers their disappointment or shows surprise at something. It takes more effort to distinguish between the two words, but understanding their differences is helpful for writing and communication purposes.
Besides being a word in its own right, register can also refer to a specific range of sound that your voice can produce or that device the checkout clerk uses to ring up your groceries. Then there are the different kinds of registers linguists use to categorize speech and writing:
Informal: This is the most common form of language used among people in informal settings, such as at a backyard barbecue or a birthday party. It’s marked by slang and vernacular grammar, and it may contain expletives and off-color language. This register is usually spoken in informal groups of friends and family, and it can be heard at work, in the classroom, or at a sports event.
Generally, informal speech has a lower pitch and speed than formal speech. It can also be marked by an increase in stress and intonation. In a business context, this kind of speech is often used to convey a more relaxed and friendly attitude.
In writing, the register used is related to the style that’s required for a given text. There are four main writing styles: narrative, persuasive, descriptive, and expository. Each requires a different kind of register, and the writer should select the appropriate one based on the intended purpose of the text.
Another kind of register is called the lexical register, which refers to the vocabulary and pronunciation that’s commonly used in a particular community. This type of register is influenced by local culture, ethnicity, and age groups, as well as the social class and status of the speaker. This is why it’s important to know the lexical register of your audience when creating documents, speeches, or other types of texts. It will help you determine which language to use and avoid, depending on the rhetorical situation at hand.