Call Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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call
[kÉËl ]
Definitions
phone
A telephone call is a connection over a telephone network between the calling party and the called party.
Synonyms
phone call, telephone call.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| call |
This is a general term that can be used in most situations where one person contacts another using a phone. It is informal and widely understood.
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| phone call |
This term is more specific than 'call' and emphasizes the means of communication, i.e., the phone. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
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| telephone call |
This is a more formal term and is often used in professional settings or in writing. It is less commonly used in everyday conversation.
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Examples of usage
- I received a call from my friend yesterday.
- She made a call to the customer service department.
communicate
To call means to communicate with someone by telephone.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| call |
Same word, but it can also refer to the act of shouting out to get someone's attention.
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| phone |
This can be used as a verb and is more modern. It is generally interchangeable with 'call,' but may sound a bit more formal. It can also refer to the device itself.
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| dial |
This word is specifically used to describe the action of entering a series of numbers to make a phone call. It's slightly more technical.
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Examples of usage
- I will call you when I arrive.
- He called his parents to let them know he was safe.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- In movies, characters often experience 'a call to adventure', a moment that pushes them to start their journey.
- The phrase 'call of duty' has been popularized by gaming, representing a sense of responsibility or obligation.
- Music, like the famous song 'Call Me Maybe,' has made the concept of calling a part of romantic expressions.
Science
- In biology, certain animals, like birds, use calls to communicate; each species has distinctive sounds.
- Researchers study how communication through calls affects social structures in animal populations.
- The concept of 'call signs' in aeronautics helps to uniquely identify aircraft in the air.
Psychology
- Making a call can affect emotional regulation and provide social support, essential for mental well-being.
- Facing the decision to call someone often involves evaluating the potential outcomes of that communication.
- The ability to effectively call for help or communicate needs plays a crucial role in developing social skills.
Literature
- Calls can symbolize deeper themes in literature, such as the longing for connection or the urgency of action.
- In many classic novels, characters often receive a 'call' that sets them on a transformative journey.
- Playwright Arthur Miller explores themes of calling and responsibility in works like 'Death of a Salesman'.
Origin of 'call'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'ceallian', meaning to announce or shout.
- In different languages, such as Spanish, the word for call is 'llamar', which also means to name.
- The meaning has evolved through time, now encompassing both spoken communication and notifications.
The word 'call' originated from the Old Norse word 'kalla', which means 'to cry out'. Over time, it evolved to refer to the act of summoning or contacting someone, especially through a telephone. The concept of a 'call' has become deeply ingrained in modern communication, symbolizing connection and conversation.