Calls Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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calls

[kɔːlz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

phone

A phone call is a conversation that you have by speaking into a telephone.

Synonyms

conversation, phone call, telephone call.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
calls

This can refer generically to multiple instances of calling someone. It is suitable in both formal and informal situations when talking about several instances of phone communication.

  • I've made several calls today to discuss the project updates
  • He needs to return all those calls before noon
phone call

Specifically refers to telephonic communication. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts but emphasizes the technology used.

  • We had a lengthy phone call yesterday
  • I need to make a phone call to my bank
telephone call

This is a more formal way of referring to a phone call. It is often used in professional or official contexts.

  • Please make a telephone call to the client to confirm the appointment
  • He missed an important telephone call from his supervisor
conversation

This highlights the act of exchanging words and ideas. It's broader than just a phone call and can be applied to any setting where people are talking to each other.

  • They had a long conversation about their future plans
  • Our conversation was very enlightening

Examples of usage

  • I received a call from my friend yesterday.
  • She made a call to her parents to check on them.
  • The call lasted for over an hour.
  • I missed an important call while I was in a meeting.
  • I need to make a call to book a restaurant reservation.
Context #2 | Noun

sports

A decision made by an official in a game or sport.

Synonyms

decision, judgment, ruling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
calls

Use in communication contexts, specifically referring to phone conversations or meetings.

  • I have to make a few calls before the end of the day
  • Our weekly team calls are scheduled for Thursday
decision

Use in more formal or structured contexts to indicate a conclusion reached after consideration.

  • After much thought, she made the decision to move to a new city
  • The decision was announced at the board meeting
judgment

Use in legal or evaluative contexts, often involving an assessment or opinion; can have a negative connotation if implying criticism.

  • The court's judgment was in favor of the plaintiff
  • He showed poor judgment by skipping the important meeting
ruling

Use specifically in legal or official contexts to describe authoritative decisions made by a judge or governing body.

  • The judge issued a ruling on the case
  • The ruling from the council will affect the new policy

Examples of usage

  • The referee's call was controversial.
  • The umpire made a close call at first base.
  • The coach disagreed with the call made by the referee.
  • The final call determined the winner of the match.
  • The player was penalized for arguing with the call.
Context #3 | Verb

phone

To make a telephone call to someone.

Synonyms

dial, phone, ring.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
calls

Used in general to refer to the action of making a phone call, suitable in both formal and informal contexts.

  • She calls her mother every Sunday
  • The manager calls a meeting every Monday
phone

Used to describe the action of making a phone call, can be used as both a noun and a verb, often in everyday conversation.

  • I will phone you later
  • She phoned her friend to catch up
dial

Implies the specific action of entering a phone number, often used in instructions or when emphasizing the act of entering numbers.

  • Please dial 911 in case of emergency
  • He dialed the wrong number by mistake
ring

Commonly used in British English to mean making a phone call, more casual in tone, and can also refer to the sound a phone makes.

  • I'll ring you when I get home
  • The phone started to ring just as we sat down for dinner

Examples of usage

  • I will call you later.
  • She called her friend to invite her to the party.
  • He called the office to inform them about his absence.
  • I called my parents to wish them a happy anniversary.
  • She called the customer service to inquire about her order.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Technology

  • The first successful voice call was made by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876, changing communication forever.
  • Smartphones now allow video calls, where you can see the person you're talking to in real time.
  • VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology enables calls using the internet instead of traditional phone lines.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often depict dramatic phone calls as turning points in the plot.
  • The phrase 'Can you hear me now?' became popularized thanks to a famous phone commercial.
  • Musicians have written many songs addressing the feeling of a call, both in a romantic and emotional context.

Psychology

  • Receiving a call can trigger a rush of dopamine, as it often signals the arrival of good news or a friendly connection.
  • People often feel a mix of excitement and anxiety when awaiting a call from someone important.
  • Research shows that vocal tone in calls can greatly influence perceptions and emotions.

Literature

  • Calls are common motifs in literature, often representing communication or a turning point between characters.
  • In many novels, a mysterious call can foreshadow significant events or surprises.
  • Famous writers have used the concept of a call as a metaphor for seeking understanding or connection.

Origin of 'calls'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'call' comes from the Old English 'ceallian', meaning 'to call out' or 'to shout'.
  • In the 14th century, it evolved to include making a request or demand.
  • Originally, calls referred not just to speaking, but also to summoning someone.

The word 'call' has its origins in the Old English word 'ceallian' which meant 'to cry out, summon.' Over time, the word evolved to encompass various meanings related to communication and decision-making. In modern usage, 'call' is commonly used in the context of phone conversations and sports officiating.


See also: call, caller, calling, callous, callus, recall.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,723, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.