Call for Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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call for

[kɔːl fɔːr ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

requesting someone to come or be present

A call for help was heard from the distance. It is a call for unity among the members of the community. The call for action was met with enthusiasm by the volunteers.

Synonyms

appeal, request, summons.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
call for	This is used when there's a need or demand for something, often of a serious nature. The situation calls for immediate action. The doctor called for the patient to be seen urgently.
request	This is used when asking politely or formally for something. It is less urgent than 'call for.' She made a request for a day off. The manager requested more information about the project.
summons	This is used in formal or legal contexts, where someone is commanded to appear, often in a court setting. It often carries a sense of authority and urgency. He received a summons to appear in court. The officer issued a summons for speeding.
appeal	This is employed when making an earnest or formal request, often for help or support. It can also be used in legal contexts. The charity made an appeal for donations. The lawyer filed an appeal against the court's decision.

Examples of usage

The teacher made a call for the students to gather in the auditorium.
The captain issued a call for the crew to prepare for departure.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

to shout or cry out loudly

The mother called for her children to come home. He called for the waiter to bring the bill. The coach called for a timeout to discuss the strategy.

Synonyms

cry out, shout, yell.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
call for	Used when requesting something formally or when there is a need for something specific. The recipe calls for two cups of sugar. The situation calls for immediate action.
shout	Used when speaking very loudly, typically to communicate over a distance or when angry or excited. He had to shout to be heard over the noise. She shouted at her brother for breaking her toy.
cry out	Used when expressing strong emotions or a need for help loudly, often in distress or pain. She cried out in pain when she hurt her ankle. The child cried out for her mother.
yell	Used when shouting loudly, often in anger, excitement, or to emphasize something. May have a slightly more informal or negative connotation. He yelled at his team to run faster. She yelled in frustration when she couldn't find her keys.

Examples of usage

She called for help when she saw the accident.
The protesters called for justice and equality.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'call for'

The phrase 'call for' has its origins in Old English, where 'call' meant to cry out or shout, and 'for' was used to indicate a purpose or reason. Over time, the phrase evolved to encompass a range of meanings related to requesting, summoning, or shouting out for someone or something.