Contacted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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contacted

[ˈkɒn.tæktɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

past action

Contacted refers to the act of reaching out to someone for communication or interaction. It indicates that someone has initiated a connection, usually through a phone call, email, or direct message.

Synonyms

communicated, got in touch, reached.

Examples of usage

  • She contacted her friend to confirm the plans.
  • He contacted the support team for assistance.
  • The researcher contacted various institutions for collaboration.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Communication

  • The rise of the internet has transformed how we 'contact' others, with emails and instant messaging dominating over traditional phone calls.
  • Studies show that efficient communication can strengthen relationships and improve teamwork in workplace settings.
  • With the emergence of social media, contacting friends has become instant and accessible, changing social interactions.

Psychology

  • Reaching out for help when feeling down is an essential part of mental wellness, illustrating the importance of connection.
  • Social psychologists emphasize that maintaining contact with friends and family enhances emotional support and resilience.
  • People often feel more connected and less anxious when they regularly contact their loved ones.

Technology

  • Smartphones have revolutionized how we contact others, allowing for instant communication regardless of distance.
  • Video calls are increasingly used in personal and professional settings to create a more personal contact experience.
  • Emerging technologies, like AI chatbots, are changing the landscape of customer contact, making interactions faster and more efficient.

Cultural Variation

  • Different cultures have unique approaches to contacting others, with some prioritizing face-to-face meetings over messages.
  • In some cultures, the method of contact can convey different levels of intimacy or urgency, affecting interpersonal relationships.
  • Texting norms vary across countries, with some expecting immediate replies while others may view delayed responses as acceptable.

Origin of 'contacted'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'contactus', meaning 'to touch or join together'.
  • In the 1600s, 'contacted' began to enter English usage as the action of touching or connecting with someone.
  • The prefix 'con-' means 'together' and '-tact' comes from 'tangere', meaning 'to touch'.

The word 'contacted' is the past tense of the verb 'contact', which originates from the Latin word 'contactus', meaning 'to touch' or 'to join'. 'Contact' was adopted into Middle English from French in the late 15th century, where it began to evolve to refer to the act of communicating or connecting with someone. Over time, the meaning expanded to include both physical and abstract forms of connection, leading to its contemporary use in the context of reaching out to someone for information, assistance, or social interaction. The evolution of technology and communication methods has further broadened the application of 'contacted', making it a common term in everyday language.


Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,600 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.