Dialed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dialed

[หˆdaษชษ™ld ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

phone call

Dialed refers to the action of entering a phone number on a telephone in order to make a call. It indicates the process of initiating communication with another person via telephone by selecting the appropriate digits.

Synonyms

called, contacted, phoned.

Examples of usage

  • I dialed the number and waited for the connection.
  • She dialed her friend's phone to invite her over.
  • After thinking for a moment, he dialed the emergency services.
  • They dialed the office phone to check if anyone was there.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Technology

  • Telephones evolved from manual switchboards to touch-tone keypads to smartphones, but the action of 'dialing' remains central to making calls.
  • In a rotary phone, users physically turned a dial to input numbers, a practice that has largely faded in favor of touchscreens.
  • Modern communication has expanded beyond voice calls, but 'dialing' still symbolizes the act of connecting over distance, now often done via apps.

Cultural Significance

  • 'Dialed' is often used in popular language to reflect not just calling someone, but also reaching out to connect, similar to 'hitting someone up.'
  • In contemporary slang, to be 'dialed in' can mean being aware and focused, indicating someone who is connected to current trends and happenings.
  • The phrase 'dialed up' can also describe intensifying style or performance, reflecting the broader cultural resonance of the word.

Psychology

  • Making a phone call can trigger various emotional responses, from anxiety about conversation to excitement when reaching out to friends.
  • Psychological studies show that the anticipation of 'dialing' someoneโ€™s number and waiting for them to answer can produce a dopamine response, much like social interactions.
  • The action of 'dialing' can invoke nostalgia for earlier methods of communication, providing connections to memories and relationships formed over phone calls.

Literature

  • In some modern literature, 'dialing' is used as a metaphor for seeking connection, often exploring themes of loneliness and the desire for contact.
  • Various authors use phone communication to represent modern relationships and the barriers technology imposes on face-to-face interactions.
  • The act of 'dialing' can also symbolize decisions and choices made in narrative arcs, often leading to pivotal moments for characters.

Origin of 'dialed'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'dial' comes from the Latin word 'dialis', meaning 'of a day', which is linked to sun dials that mark the time.
  • Historically, a 'dial' referred specifically to the device for indicating time or communication before the invention of the telephone.
  • The use of 'dialed' in reference to telephones became popular in the mid-20th century, coinciding with the rise of rotary phones.

The term 'dial' originates from the Latin word 'dialis', meaning 'daily' or 'of the day', which evolved through the Old French 'dialer'. In the late 19th century, in association with the introduction of the telephone, the word began to be used to denote the act of turning the dial on early telephone models. As technology progressed and the rotary dial became commonplace, 'dialed' came to signify the action of entering numbers to place a call. Over time, with the advent of push-button telephones and mobile devices, the meaning has been adapted, reflecting the evolving landscape of communication. The word encapsulates a significant technological shift in how people connect with one another.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,828, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.