Contact list Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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contact list

[ˈkɒntækt lɪst ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

communication

A list of names and contact information for people or organizations kept in a digital or physical format for easy reference.

Synonyms

address book, directory, phone book.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
contact list	Used primarily in digital contexts like smartphones and email platforms to refer to stored contacts that include phone numbers, email addresses, and other details. I added her number to my contact list. The app syncs your contact list automatically.
address book	Typically refers to both physical and digital collections of addresses, phone numbers, and other contact details, often used in a more personal or informal setting. My grandmother still keeps all her friends' addresses in an address book. Outlook has a feature where you can store emails in an address book.
phone book	Refers to a physical book containing a alphabetical list of telephone numbers and associated contact information, more common before the advent of digital technology. My parents still have a phone book by the kitchen phone. I found his number in the phone book.
directory	Mostly used in more formal or business settings to refer to a compiled list of contact information, often organized in a systematic way for easy lookup. The company's employee directory is available online. He checked the student directory for her contact details.

Examples of usage

I need to update my contact list with new phone numbers.
She lost her contact list and couldn't remember anyone's email address.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Technology

The contact list feature became common with the advent of mobile phones in the 1990s, replacing the paper address book.
Smartphones can store thousands of contacts, each together with additional information like email and instant messaging details.
Some applications now allow you to synchronize your contact list across multiple devices for easy access anywhere.

Cultural Shifts

Contact lists reflect how quickly relationships can be formed and dissolved in the digital age, as people often swap numeric connections rather than physical addresses.
Cultural norms around privacy have shifted, leading to discussions about how and when to share contact information among individuals.
With social media's rise, traditional contact lists now often include social account links, creating new forms of virtual networking.

Psychology

Having an organized contact list can reduce anxiety about losing connections, providing users with a sense of stability and belonging.
Research suggests that the ease of accessing contacts through digital means can lead to more frequent communication and stronger social ties.
The act of saving someone's information often signifies commitment to the relationship, indicating a desire to maintain contact.

Business

Professionally, a contact list is vital for networking, helping individuals build relationships that can lead to job opportunities and collaborations.
CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems often utilize detailed contact lists to track interactions and improve customer service.
Sales teams rely on contact lists to manage leads and nurture potential clients, making it a significant aspect of their strategy.

Literature

In many modern novels, contact lists highlight characters’ relationships, serving as a plot device to connect various storylines.
Writers use contact lists in stories to illustrate themes of communication, isolation, and the impact of technology on personal lives.
The metaphor of a ‘contact’ has appeared in literature, evolving from simple social lists to representations of human connection in a digital world.

Origin of 'contact list'

The concept of a contact list originated with the need for individuals to keep track of important names and contact information. With the advent of digital technology, contact lists have become an essential tool for communication and organization in both personal and professional settings.