Origin: Latin suffix -ure
Configure has 2 different meanings across 1 category:
set up for a particular purpose
"configure my new computer"
"configure a plane for a combat mission"
To set up or arrange something in such a way that it is ready for operation for a particular purpose, or to someone's particular liking
"Before the conference, I spent an hour configuring my laptop with all the necessary presentation software and dual monitors."
In plain English: To configure means to set up or adjust something so it works the way you want it to.
"You need to configure your computer before you can connect it to the internet."
Usage: Use configure to describe setting up equipment, software, or systems so they function correctly for a specific task. Avoid using it for simple physical arrangement, which should be described with words like arrange or set up instead.
The word configure comes from the Old French configurer, which was borrowed from the Latin configurare. It entered English with its original meaning of setting or arranging something in a specific shape or form.