Beacons: meaning, definitions and examples

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beacons

 

[ หˆbiหkษ™nz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

navigation

Beacons are intentionally conspicuous devices designed to attract attention to a specific location. They are typically used for navigation purposes, such as guiding ships or aircraft.

Synonyms

guiding light, marker, signal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
beacons

Used to denote physical or metaphorical indicators that provide direction or guidance. Often used in maritime or aviation contexts.

  • The lighthouse serves as a beacon for ships.
  • His mentor was a beacon of wisdom throughout his career.
signal

Conveys a message or warning, usually involving a form of communication technology like lights, sounds, or gestures.

  • The green light is a signal that it's safe to go.
  • He gave a signal to his team to begin the operation.
marker

Indicates a physical object or sign that denotes position or boundary. Often used in navigation, construction, or mapping.

  • They placed a marker at the trailhead to indicate the start of the path.
  • The buoy serves as a marker for the underwater cable.
guiding light

Emphasizes inspiration, leadership, or moral guidance. Often used metaphorically to describe people or principles.

  • She was a guiding light in the movement for women's rights.
  • His teachings are a guiding light for students.

Examples of usage

  • Ships rely on beacons to navigate safely through treacherous waters.
  • The aircraft homed in on the beacon's signal to locate the emergency landing site.
Context #2 | Noun

technology

In technology, beacons are small Bluetooth devices that transmit signals to nearby smartphones or other electronic devices. They are commonly used for location-based services and marketing purposes.

Synonyms

notifier, sender, transmitter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
beacons

Useful in situations where you are referring to a physical or metaphorical guiding or warning signal, often related to navigation or highlighting something important.

  • Lighthouses act as beacons for ships
  • Her success served as a beacon for others to follow
transmitter

Appropriate in contexts involving the sending of electronic signals or data, often in a scientific or technical setting.

  • The radio station needed a new transmitter
  • The transmitter sends signals to the satellite
sender

Ideal for describing a person or device that transmits messages, packages, or data to another party.

  • The sender of the email is unknown
  • He is the sender of the package you received
notifier

Best used when describing a system or person that informs or alerts someone about something, typically in a more official or technological capacity.

  • The app acts as a notifier for upcoming events
  • She is the notifier of all major updates in the project

Examples of usage

  • The store uses beacons to send promotional notifications to customers in the vicinity.
  • Beacons can provide indoor navigation assistance in large shopping malls.

Translations

Translations of the word "beacons" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น farรณis

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเฅ€เค•เคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Leuchtfeuer

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ suar

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะผะฐัะบะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ latarnie

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ“ใƒผใ‚ณใƒณ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท balises

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ balizas

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท iลŸaretler

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋น„์ปจ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ู†ุงุฑุงุช

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ majรกky

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ majรกky

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ไฟกๆ ‡

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ svetilniki

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ vita

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะผะฐัะบั‚ะฐั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒ˜แƒœแƒแƒ—แƒšแƒ”แƒ”แƒ‘แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mayaklar

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ balizas

Etymology

The word 'beacon' originated from the Old English word 'becn', which meant a signal fire. Beacons have been used throughout history as a means of communication and navigation. From ancient times when fires were lit on hilltops to modern-day technological beacons, the concept of guiding light and signaling has remained consistent.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,625, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.