Call: meaning, definitions and examples

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call

[kɔːl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

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. I'll give you a call later. Can you call me back when you're free?
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. I need to make a phone call to my doctor. He received a phone call from his boss.
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. Please make a telephone call to confirm the appointment. The customer lodged a complaint through a telephone call.

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.

I'll give you a call later.
Can you call me back when you're free?

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.

I need to make a phone call to my doctor.
He received a phone call from his boss.

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.

Please make a telephone call to confirm the appointment.
The customer lodged a complaint through a telephone call.

Examples of usage

I received a call from my friend yesterday.
She made a call to the customer service department.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

communicate

To call means to communicate with someone by telephone.

Synonyms

dial, phone.

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. He had to call for help when he got lost in the woods. She called her dog's name loudly, but he didn't come back.
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. I'll phone you once I arrive at the airport. Please phone the office if you have any questions. Where did you leave your phone?
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. Make sure you dial the correct number to reach customer service. He dialed the number carefully, afraid of making a mistake.

Word

Description / Examples

call

Same word, but it can also refer to the act of shouting out to get someone's attention.

He had to call for help when he got lost in the woods.
She called her dog's name loudly, but he didn't come back.

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.

I'll phone you once I arrive at the airport.
Please phone the office if you have any questions.
Where did you leave your phone?

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.

Make sure you dial the correct number to reach customer service.
He dialed the number carefully, afraid of making a mistake.

Examples of usage

I will call you when I arrive.
He called his parents to let them know he was safe.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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'.

Translations

Translations of the word "call" in other languages:

🇵🇹 chamar

ligar
telefonar

🇮🇳 कॉल करना (kaul karna)

बुलाना (bulana)
फ़ोन करना (phone karna)

🇩🇪 rufen

anrufen
nennen

🇮🇩 memanggil

🇺🇦 дзвонити

викликати
називати

🇵🇱 dzwonić

nazywać
wołać

🇯🇵 呼ぶ (yobu)

🇫🇷 appeler

🇪🇸 llamar

🇹🇷 aramak

🇰🇷 부르다 (bureuda)

🇸🇦 اتصل (ittasal)

🇨🇿 volat

zavolat
nazývat

🇸🇰 volať

zavolať
nazývať

🇨🇳 打电话 (dǎ diànhuà)

🇸🇮 poklicati

klicati
imenovati

🇮🇸 hringja

🇰🇿 қоңырау шалу (qoñyrau şalu)

🇬🇪 დარეკვა (dareqva)

🇦🇿 zəng etmək

🇲🇽 llamar

Word Frequency Rank

With position #451, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.

...
448 structure
449 community
450 range
451 call
452 attention
453 heart
454 construction
...