Correspondent Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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correspondent

[kษ’rษชหˆspษ’ndษ™nt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

news reporting

A person who reports news for a newspaper, magazine, television, or radio station.

Synonyms

journalist, newscaster, reporter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
correspondent

Typically used for individuals who report news from a particular location or on a specific topic over a long period. Often employed by news organizations.

  • The foreign correspondent reported live from the conflict zone.
  • She is a correspondent who specializes in European politics.
reporter

Generally used for individuals who gather and report news. They may cover a wide range of topics and often work in the field collecting information.

  • The reporter interviewed witnesses at the scene of the accident.
  • As a reporter, she travels frequently to cover breaking news stories.
journalist

A general term for someone who writes, researches, and reports news and articles, often covering various mediums like newspapers, magazines, and online platforms.

  • As a journalist, he covers local news and current events.
  • Journalists play a crucial role in investigating and reporting facts.
newscaster

Refers to individuals who read and present news stories on television or radio. They typically work in studios rather than reporting from the field.

  • The newscaster delivered the evening news with a calm and clear voice.
  • She's been a newscaster for the local news channel for over a decade.

Examples of usage

  • The correspondent provided live updates from the scene of the protest.
  • The foreign correspondent covered the international summit in Europe.
Context #2 | Noun

communication

A person who communicates with others, especially through letters or emails.

Synonyms

communicator, corresponder, pen pal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
correspondent

A correspondent refers to a journalist or reporter who provides news or commentary from a particular location, often from a different city, country, or region. This term is mostly used in professional and media contexts.

  • The foreign correspondent reported live from the war zone.
  • She worked as a correspondent for a major news network.
pen pal

A pen pal refers to someone, often from a distant location, with whom one maintains a regular written correspondence. This term is usually used in personal or informal contexts.

  • She has had the same pen pal in France for over ten years.
  • Writing to a pen pal can be a great way to learn about different cultures.
communicator

A communicator is someone who conveys information, ideas, or feelings effectively. This term is often used in general contexts to describe a person who excels at exchanging information clearly.

  • He is an excellent communicator, always making sure everyone understands the message.
  • As a public speaker, she's a very engaging communicator.
corresponder

A corresponder isn't commonly used in modern English. Instead, the more appropriate terms would be 'correspondent' or 'pen pal'.

Examples of usage

  • She has been my correspondent for over ten years, and we have never met in person.
  • The pen pal I had in elementary school was my first correspondent.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Media

  • Correspondents often cover major events, like wars or elections, providing firsthand accounts.
  • They typically work for newspapers, television, or online media, giving them a crucial role in journalism.
  • Specialized correspondents focus on areas like science, politics, or culture, sharing valuable expertise.

Cultural Significance

  • Journalists working in foreign countries can shape public perception about different cultures and global issues.
  • During major crises, correspondents can play a vital role in relaying accurate information to the public.
  • Their work often highlights the importance of free press in maintaining government accountability, especially in democratic societies.

Technology

  • With the rise of digital media, the role of correspondents has expanded, allowing instant reporting through social media.
  • Drones and other technology are increasingly used by correspondents for unique perspectives in their reports.
  • Live-streaming has changed how correspondents share news, allowing audiences to see events unfold in real-time.

Famous Correspondents

  • One of the earliest war correspondents was William Howard Russell, who covered the Crimean War for The Times.
  • Correspondent Edward R. Murrow was pivotal during World War II for bringing reports from Europe to American audiences.
  • Today, well-known correspondents like Christiane Amanpour and Anderson Cooper have become iconic figures in journalism.

Origin of 'correspondent'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'respondere' which means 'to answer', highlighting the role of giving information.
  • This term evolved in the 15th century and originally meant 'one who corresponds', referring to exchanging letters.
  • In the 19th century, it began to be used widely to describe people who report news from specific locations.

The word 'correspondent' originated in the late 16th century from the Latin word 'correspondent', which means 'agreeing with, corresponding'. It evolved over time to refer to someone who communicates information, especially in the context of news reporting.


See also: correspondence, corresponder, corresponding, correspondingly.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,744 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.