Dialling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
dialling
[หdaษชษlษชล ]
Definition
phone number
Dialling refers to the action of entering a telephone number on a phone or dialing a rotary telephone. This action can be either manually, where each digit is pressed in sequence, or automatically with speed dial features. The term became prominent with the advent of telephones in the early 20th century, representing the starting point of a telephone call. It is an essential skill for using telecommunication devices effectively. Dialling can also imply the act of connecting or establishing contact with someone through other means.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- I was dialling her number when the call dropped.
- He is dialling the emergency services.
- She spent hours dialling candidates for the job.
- Dialling 911 should be your first action in an emergency.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Technology
- Dialling became less common with the introduction of push-button phones, which replaced rotary dials in the 1960s.
- With the rise of mobile phones in the 21st century, voice-activated calling has become more popular, reducing the need for physical dialling.
- Smartphones now allow users to simply tap on contacts rather than physically dial a number, showcasing how technology shapes communication.
Cultural Impact
- The invention of the telephone revolutionized communication, making long-distance dialling possible and bringing people closer together.
- Dialling a number has been a common motif in movies and songs, often symbolizing reaching out or connecting emotionally.
- Dialling the wrong number has become a humorous trope in media, highlighting misunderstandings or unexpected connections.
Psychology
- Studies show that the convenience of dialling affects people's willingness to make social calls, impacting relationships.
- The act of dialling, especially with old rotary phones, can evoke nostalgic feelings related to past communication methods.
- Research indicates that how we dial, whether casually or formally, can reflect our mood and relationship with the person weโre contacting.
Literature
- Dialling features prominently in various literary works as a metaphor for connection, isolation, or communication barriers.
- In some novels, characters' experiences with dialling reflect their emotional states, enhancing storytelling through everyday actions.
- Writers often use the simple act of dialling a number to launch a plot twist or create suspense, demonstrating its narrative potential.
Origin of 'dialling'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'dial' comes from the Latin word 'dialis,' meaning 'daily' or 'of a day', as the dial was used to indicate time.
- The concept of dialling dates back to the early 20th century, originating with the first rotary phone.
- The British English spelling 'dialling' adds an extra 'l' to follow the rule of doubling consonants in certain verb forms.
The word 'dial' has its origins in the Latin word 'dialis', meaning 'daily', which evolved in various forms across languages over centuries. The transition to its modern use can be traced back to the invention of the telephone in the late 19th century. Originally, 'dial' referred to the circular disc that displayed numbers and letters on early telephones. As technology progressed, the term expanded to encompass both manually rotating dials and push-button technology. By the mid-20th century, as telecommunication became more commonplace, the act of 'dialling' entered everyday language, becoming a standard term associated with telephone usage. Today, it represents not just the physical action of making a call, but also the broader concept of connecting and communicating, significant in our increasingly digital world.