Telephone: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
telephone
[ หtษlษชหfoสn ]
communication device
A telephone is a device that allows for voice communication over long distances. It typically consists of a speaker, microphone, and keypad for dialing numbers. Telephones can be landline or cellular, with the latter being more common in modern times.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| telephone |
Often used in more formal contexts or when referring to the device in general. It can refer to both landline and mobile phones.
|
| phone |
A general term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts to refer to any kind of telephone device.
|
| landline |
Refers specifically to a telephone connected by cable or wire, usually at home or in an office. Used when differentiating from mobile phones.
|
| cellphone |
Used to specifically refer to mobile phones. Common in everyday conversation, especially in North America.
|
Examples of usage
- I called my friend on the telephone to chat.
- She answered the telephone on the first ring.
make a phone call
To telephone someone is to make a call using a telephone. This action involves dialing a number and establishing a connection to communicate verbally. Telephoning is a common way to stay in touch with friends and family.
Examples of usage
- I will telephone you later to discuss the details.
- She telephoned her boss to inform him of the meeting.
Translations
Translations of the word "telephone" in other languages:
๐ต๐น telefone
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเฅเคฒเฅเคซเฅเคจ
๐ฉ๐ช Telefon
๐ฎ๐ฉ telepon
๐บ๐ฆ ัะตะปะตัะพะฝ
๐ต๐ฑ telefon
๐ฏ๐ต ้ป่ฉฑ
๐ซ๐ท tรฉlรฉphone
๐ช๐ธ telรฉfono
๐น๐ท telefon
๐ฐ๐ท ์ ํ
๐ธ๐ฆ ูุงุชู
๐จ๐ฟ telefon
๐ธ๐ฐ telefรณn
๐จ๐ณ ็ต่ฏ
๐ธ๐ฎ telefon
๐ฎ๐ธ sรญmi
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะตะปะตัะพะฝ
๐ฌ๐ช แขแแแแคแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ telefon
๐ฒ๐ฝ telรฉfono
Etymology
The word 'telephone' originated from the Greek words 'tele', meaning 'far', and 'phone', meaning 'voice'. The invention of the telephone is credited to Alexander Graham Bell, who patented the first practical device in 1876. Over the years, telecommunication technology has advanced significantly, leading to the widespread use of telephones for both personal and business communication.
See also: phone, phoneme, phonemic, phoner, phonetics, phoney, phonically, smartphone, telephonist.