Phone: meaning, definitions and examples

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phone

[fəʊn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

communication

A device that is used to make and receive calls, send messages, and access the internet.

Synonyms

cell phone, mobile phone, smartphone.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
phone	A general term used for all types of telecommunication devices that enable voice communication. It can refer to both landline and mobile devices. I'll call you later from my phone. She left her phone at home.
cell phone	Commonly used in the United States and Canada to refer to a portable phone that operates using cellular network technology. I need to charge my cell phone. He bought a new case for his cell phone.
mobile phone	Commonly used outside North America, particularly in the UK and other countries, to refer to a portable phone. She always has her mobile phone with her. Can you give me your mobile phone number?
smartphone	Specifically refers to advanced mobile phones that have computing capability, internet access, and various applications. He uses his smartphone to check his emails. Smartphones have revolutionized the way we communicate.

Examples of usage

I left my phone at home.
She always carries her phone with her.
He answered the phone on the first ring.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

technology

A telephone.

Synonyms

landline, telephone.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
phone	Common word used in everyday conversation to refer to both mobile devices and landlines. I need to charge my phone. Can you call me on my phone?
telephone	A more formal term for a communication device, can refer to both landlines and mobile phones. Often used in professional or official contexts. Please answer the telephone in my office. The telephone has been ringing all day.
landline	Specifically refers to a fixed, non-mobile telephone line. Used in contexts where clarity is needed to distinguish from mobile phones. You can reach me on my landline after work hours. Do you have a landline number?

Word

Description / Examples

phone

Common word used in everyday conversation to refer to both mobile devices and landlines.

I need to charge my phone.
Can you call me on my phone?

telephone

A more formal term for a communication device, can refer to both landlines and mobile phones. Often used in professional or official contexts.

Please answer the telephone in my office.
The telephone has been ringing all day.

landline

Specifically refers to a fixed, non-mobile telephone line. Used in contexts where clarity is needed to distinguish from mobile phones.

You can reach me on my landline after work hours.
Do you have a landline number?

Examples of usage

I used to have a landline phone at home.
She picked up the phone and dialed the number.
The phone rang in the middle of the night.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

communication

To make a phone call.

Synonyms

call, dial, ring up.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
phone	Commonly used to describe the general action of contacting someone via a telephone. I'll phone you when I get home. She phoned her friend to share the good news.
call	Typically used to refer to the act of initiating a voice communication with someone via a phone. I'll call you later today. He called his sister to ask for help.
dial	Specifically used to describe the action of entering a phone number into a device to make a call. She dialed the emergency number quickly. I had to dial his number twice before I got through.
ring up	A more informal or colloquial way of saying 'call' or 'phone,' used predominantly in British English. I'll ring you up tomorrow. He rang up his colleague to discuss the project.

Examples of usage

I will phone you when I arrive.
She phoned her friend to invite her to the party.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'phone' comes from the Greek word 'phone,' meaning 'voice' or 'sound.'
The term 'telephone' was coined in the 19th century, combining 'tele,' meaning 'distant,' with 'phone.'
The prefix 'tele-' comes from Greek roots, meaning 'far off,' which is indicative of the phone's purpose.

Historical Development

Alexander Graham Bell was awarded the first US patent for an electric telephone in 1876.
The earliest phones were not portable and required a wired connection, making communication limited to fixed locations.
In 1983, the first commercial handheld mobile phone became available, paving the way for today's smartphones.

Cultural Impact

Cell phones have revolutionized communication, allowing instant access to anyone, anywhere, changing social interaction.
In many cultures, the phone is a symbol of modern technology and connectivity, bridging distances and relationships.
The phrase 'there's an app for that' reflects the phone's evolution into a tool not just for communication, but for various tasks and entertainment.

Technology

Modern smartphones possess more computing power than the computers that originally put humans on the moon.
Voice recognition technology enables hands-free phone use, transforming how people interact with devices.
The development of 5G technology promises faster data speeds and improved connectivity for phones around the globe.

Psychology

Research shows that excessive phone usage can lead to increased anxiety and decreased face-to-face interactions.
The phenomenon of 'phantom vibration syndrome' occurs when people believe their phones are vibrating, even when they aren't.
Smartphone notifications can trigger dopamine release in the brain, similar to rewards, thus boosting habitual checking.

Translations

Translations of the word "phone" in other languages:

🇵🇹 telefone

🇮🇳 फ़ोन

🇩🇪 Telefon

🇮🇩 telepon

🇺🇦 телефон

🇵🇱 telefon

🇯🇵 電話 (でんわ)

🇫🇷 téléphone

🇪🇸 teléfono

🇹🇷 telefon

🇰🇷 전화 (전화기)

🇸🇦 هاتف

🇨🇿 telefon

🇸🇰 telefón

🇨🇳 电话 (diànhuà)

🇸🇮 telefon

🇮🇸 sími

🇰🇿 телефон

🇬🇪 ტელეფონი

🇦🇿 telefon

🇲🇽 teléfono

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,310, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

...
2307 vice
2308 tool
2309 considerably
2310 phone
2311 exact
2312 struck
2313 intelligence
...