Redial Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
redial
[หriหdaษชl ]
Definition
telephone usage
To redial is to call a number that has previously been dialed again, typically after having already tried to connect and either getting a busy signal or being unable to connect for another reason. This term is especially relevant in the context of telephones, both landlines and mobile devices, where users may want to reach someone they couldn't initially connect with. In modern devices, redialing can often be done through a simple button press or menu selection.
Synonyms
call back, rephone, ring again.
Examples of usage
- I tried to reach her, but the line was busy, so I'll redial later.
- After receiving no answer, he decided to redial the number again.
- She hit the redial button to call back her friend.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
History of Telecommunication
- The first automatic telephone exchanges were created in the late 1800s, allowing users to redial without operator assistance.
- The introduction of touch-tone dialing in the 1960s made redialing faster and simpler than rotary phones.
- With the rise of mobile phones in the 1990s, the redial feature became standard, allowing easy access to recently contacted numbers.
Technology
- Modern smartphones often include a memory of recent calls, making redialing just a tap away.
- Some devices feature automatic redial functions, trying a call several times if the line is busy or the recipient doesn't answer.
- Voice-activated assistants can also perform redials, showcasing how technology simplifies communication.
Cultural References
- In films and dramas, the act of redialing often signifies urgency or a desperate attempt to connect with someone.
- Redial is sometimes humorously referenced in comedy sketches, illustrating the lengths people go to reach a friend or loved one.
- Songs about communication often mention redialing as a metaphor for longing and connection in relationships.
Psychology of Communication
- The desire to redial someone can stem from feelings of connection, anxiety, or the need for reassurance.
- Repeated attempts to reach someone can indicate our social habits and the importance of that relationship in our lives.
- Research shows that phone calls often provide a stronger sense of connection than other forms of communication, leading to habitual redialing.
Origin of 'redial'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'redial' combines the prefix 're-', meaning to do again, with 'dial,' referring to the act of making a phone call.
- First used widely in the late 20th century, as phones transitioned from rotary to touch tone and mobile devices.
- The concept of redialing evolved with technology, reflecting changes in communication methods over time.
The term 'redial' is a compound word formed by combining the prefix 're-', which means 'again', with 'dial', a term that originates from the way one would connect to a number on a rotary or push-button telephone. The concept of redialing became more prominent with the advent of telephones and has evolved with technology, particularly as mobile phones have popularized the practice due to their ease of use. The formal adoption of the term into everyday language aligns with advances in communication technology in the late 20th century, making it a standard feature for most telecommunication devices today. Additionally, redialing can be linked to the increase in call frequency made possible by the accessibility of phones, transforming how people communicate and maintain contacts.