Contact book Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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contact book

[ˈkɒntækt bʊk ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

personal information

A contact book is a physical or digital book where you can store and organize contact information for people you know. It typically includes names, phone numbers, email addresses, and other relevant details.

Synonyms

address book, contact list, phone book.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
contact book	This is a general term for a physical or digital book where you store names, addresses, and phone numbers of people. It is commonly used in both informal and formal settings. I need to update my contact book with Sarah's new phone number. He misplaced his contact book and couldn't call his friends.
address book	This term specifically emphasizes storing addresses besides phone numbers and names. It is often used in professional or formal contexts. Please check the address book to find their office location. She keeps a small address book in her purse.
contact list	This refers specifically to a list of contacts, typically used in digital form such as on a phone or computer. It is more common in casual or digital communication. Can you add me to your contact list? My contact list is backed up to my email account.
phone book	This term usually refers to a traditional printed directory that contains phone numbers and addresses of people and businesses. It can have an old-fashioned or formal connotation. I found his number in the phone book. The phone book for our area is quite outdated.

Examples of usage

I lost my contact book and now I don't have anyone's phone number.
She keeps all her important contacts in her digital contact book for easy access.
We used to write down our friends' addresses in a contact book back in the days before smartphones.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

Originally, people kept important names and numbers written on pieces of paper, which led to the creation of modern contact books.
The first printed address books appeared in the late 19th century, as urban life made it more important to stay connected.
Before digital devices, contact books were often made from leather and beautifully crafted, signifying the importance of personal connections.

Technology

With the rise of smartphones, physical contact books have largely been replaced by digital apps and software that sync across devices.
Many email services come with built-in contact books, allowing users to organize not just numbers but also email addresses and social media links.
Cloud storage has revolutionized contact management, enabling people to access their contacts from any device, anywhere.

Cultural Impact

In various cultures, maintaining an extensive network of contacts is vital for both personal and professional relationships.
Contact books are often seen as a rite of passage for teenagers as they begin to foster friendships outside their family.
In some communities, contact books are used not just for phone numbers but also for sharing responsibilities, events, or group activities.

Psychology

Keeping a contact book can help reduce anxiety related to forgetting important connections or names.
Research shows that maintaining relationships, aided by tools like contact books, contributes positively to mental well-being.
People feel a sense of security knowing they have a way to reach their friends and loved ones, fostering a sense of community.

Literature

In novels and stories, contact books often represent the protagonist's social life and connections, revealing character depth.
The concept of connection and loss is a common theme, where characters might lose their contact books, symbolizing lost relationships.
Contact books are sometimes used as a device in mystery genres, where uncovering contacts can lead to plot twists or solutions.

Origin of 'contact book'

The concept of a contact book dates back to the early days of address books, which were used to store important names and contact information. With the advancement of technology, contact books have evolved into digital formats, making it easier to store and access contact information on various devices. In today's digital age, contact books are commonly used in smartphones, email clients, and social media platforms to keep track of contacts and stay connected.