Outbox Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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outbox
[ˈaʊtˌbɑːks ]
Definition
mail handling
An outbox is a designated space where items, typically mail or messages, are placed to be sent out or delivered. It often refers to a physical location in offices or homes where outgoing letters and packages are kept before they are collected or dispatched. In a digital context, an outbox can also refer to a folder in email applications that stores messages that have been created but not yet sent. The term is commonly used in both personal and professional settings.
Synonyms
dispatch box, send box.
Examples of usage
- Please place the letter in the outbox once you're done.
- Check the outbox to confirm the emails are ready to send.
- I found the package in the outbox waiting for pickup.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Technology
- In email programs, the outbox temporarily holds messages until they are sent - similar to how a post drop works!
- Many apps use an outbox feature to allow users to edit messages before they officially send them.
- Problems can occur in the outbox when there is no internet connection, preventing messages from leaving.
Communication
- The outbox plays a crucial role in digital communication, helping users review their messages before sending.
- It allows for organization, ensuring that users can manage several messages they wish to send at once.
- An empty outbox often indicates that all messages have been successfully sent!
Pop Culture
- In movies featuring technology, the outbox is often humorously portrayed when characters send large amounts of email rapidly.
- The outbox is a common plot device in romantic comedies, symbolizing unfinished conversations between characters.
- TV shows often depict characters using their outbox to send emails that dramatically change the storyline.
Psychology
- The act of writing but not sending a message can reflect feelings of hesitation or anxiety in communication.
- Using an outbox allows individuals to compose their thoughts carefully, promoting better emotional expression.
- Revising messages in the outbox can lead to improved social interactions and relationships.
Origin of 'outbox'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'outbox' combines 'out' meaning to send away and 'box' referring to a container.
- First used in the context of post and letters, the term has evolved to include digital messages.
- The concept of an outbox reflects the physical practice of sending letters from a mailbox.
The term 'outbox' is derived from the combination of the prefix 'out', indicating something that goes outward or is outgoing, and 'box', which refers to a container or a space. The concept of an outbox has its roots in traditional mail-handling practices, where physical mail would be organized and stored prior to dispatch. As communication evolved with the advent of digital technologies, the term has been adopted to represent corresponding digital functionalities in email systems. The dual meaning of the term, therefore, embodies both historical mail processes and modern electronic communications, signifying its versatility in language and application.