Telegrammed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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telegrammed

[ˈtɛlɪˌgræmd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

sending a message

Telegraphing refers to the act of sending a message via a telegraph system. This was a common communication method before the advent of modern digital communication technologies. The term is often used to describe the action of sending messages quickly over long distances.

Synonyms

communicated, messaged, sent.

Examples of usage

  • She telegrammed her mother about her arrival.
  • He telegrammed the office to confirm the meeting.
  • They telegrammed the news of their engagement.
  • I telegrammed my friend from across the country.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Significance

  • Telegram services were crucial during wars, allowing instant updates and orders over great distances.
  • In the early 20th century, telegrams were widely used for both personal and business communications, reflecting the era's reliance on written messages.
  • Prominent events such as the sinking of the Titanic were reported through telegrams, illustrating their significance in disseminating urgent news.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'I got your message loud and clear' became common, partly due to the clarity telegrams provided in communication.
  • In film and literature, telegrams often serve as plot devices to deliver crucial news or even bad news unexpectedly.
  • Popular songs and poetry occasionally reference telegrams to evoke nostalgia or the immediacy of urgent messages.

Technology

  • The invention of the telegraph by Samuel Morse in the 1830s revolutionized long-distance communication.
  • Telegram technology paved the way for later innovations, such as the telephone, fax machines, and, ultimately, the internet.
  • Modern shifts in communication have led to the decline of telegrams, but some nations still offer telegram services as a novelty or for special occasions.

Sociology

  • The use of telegrams reflected social dynamics of the time, showing how information dissemination could affect everything from business decisions to personal relationships.
  • Telegram services once provided jobs to telegraph operators, revealing a snapshot of employment trends during technological advancements.
  • Cultural attitudes toward urgency and information changed alongside the prevalence of telegrams, influencing how people communicated in crises.

Origin of 'telegrammed'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'telegram' comes from the Greek words 'tele,' meaning far, and 'gramma,' meaning something written.
  • The concept of telegrams dates back to the early 19th century, showcasing the advancement of communication technology.
  • Before telegrams, people relied on messengers or postal services, which were much slower than the telegraph.

The term 'telegram' originates from the Greek words 'tele' meaning 'distant' and 'gramma' meaning 'something written'. This combination reflects the essence of telegrams as messages sent over distances. The telegraph system was invented in the 1830s and revolutionized long-distance communication. By the mid-19th century, telegrams became a critical method for relaying urgent information and personal messages. The ability to transmit messages almost instantaneously marked a significant advancement in communication technology, making it possible to connect regions and countries in ways that were previously unimaginable. As telecommunication technology evolved, telegrams gradually fell out of common usage, giving way to newer forms such as telephones and, eventually, the internet. Despite its decline in everyday use, the legacy of the telegram remains in the language, with expressions like 'I’ll send you a telegram' echoing the time when this form of communication was pivotal.