Landline: meaning, definitions and examples
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landline
[ˈlændˌlaɪn ]
Definitions
phone connection
A landline is a telephone connection that uses a physical wire or cable to transmit signals, as opposed to a mobile phone or internet-based communication. Landlines are typically associated with traditional home or office phones.
Examples of usage
- You can reach me on my landline at home.
- I prefer using a landline for important calls.
obsolete technology
In the age of smartphones and wireless communication, landlines are considered outdated technology that is less commonly used. Many people have abandoned their landline phones in favor of mobile devices.
Examples of usage
- Most young people today don't even have a landline at home.
- I finally decided to disconnect my landline.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The first landline telephone was invented by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876, changing how people communicated.
- Early landlines only allowed one call at a time, which led to the development of switchboards to connect multiple calls.
- By the 1950s, landlines became widely available in homes, marking a significant shift in personal communication.
Technology
- Landlines operate through copper or fiber-optic cables, delivering a reliable communication method without reliance on mobile networks.
- Unlike cell phones, landlines do not require battery power and can still function during electrical outages, making them a dependable option.
- Modern landline technology includes features like caller ID and voicemail, evolving from the basic models of the past.
Cultural Impact
- Landlines have been featured in countless movies and television shows, often representing the idea of 'home' or 'normalcy'.
- In many cultures, receiving a landline call is still considered more formal and serious compared to casual mobile texting.
- The transition from landlines to mobile phones has changed social interactions, with many younger people having little to no experience with traditional phones.
Psychology
- Having a landline can evoke feelings of safety and stability in homes, especially in families with children.
- Studies suggest that the sound of a ringing landline can trigger excitement or anxiety, depending on the relationship with the caller.
- Landlines are sometimes associated with nostalgia, reminding older generations of a simpler time before mobile technology took over.
Economics
- As technology evolves, the revenue generated from landline services has declined, with many companies shifting focus to mobile plans.
- Regulatory changes have impacted the pricing structures of landline services, making them more affordable and accessible in many regions.
- In rural areas, landline services provide critical connectivity where mobile networks may be sparse or unreliable.
Translations
Translations of the word "landline" in other languages:
🇵🇹 telefone fixo
🇮🇳 लैंडलाइन
🇩🇪 Festnetztelefon
🇮🇩 telepon rumah
🇺🇦 стаціонарний телефон
🇵🇱 telefon stacjonarny
🇯🇵 固定電話 (kotei denwa)
🇫🇷 téléphone fixe
🇪🇸 teléfono fijo
🇹🇷 sabit telefon
🇰🇷 유선전화 (yuseonjeonhwa)
🇸🇦 هاتف ثابت
🇨🇿 pevná linka
🇸🇰 pevná linka
🇨🇳 固定电话 (gùdìng diànhuà)
🇸🇮 fiksni telefon
🇮🇸 heimasími
🇰🇿 қалалық телефон
🇬🇪 სადგური ტელეფონი
🇦🇿 sabit telefon
🇲🇽 teléfono fijo