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Telephonist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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telephonist

[tษชหˆlษ›fษ™nษชst ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

job position

A telephonist is a person who operates a telephone switchboard, helping to connect calls to the appropriate recipients.

Synonyms

switchboard operator, telephone operator.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
telephonist

Generally used in British English to describe someone who works with telephones, connecting calls and providing assistance. This term is rather old-fashioned.

  • The hospital employed a telephonist to handle all incoming calls.
  • Her first job was as a telephonist before she moved into administration.
telephone operator

Refers to someone who assists in connecting phone calls and providing customer service over the phone. This term is fairly universal and still in use.

  • The telephone operator helped me place an international call.
  • If you need assistance, please speak to a telephone operator.
switchboard operator

Used to describe a person who manages a telephone switchboard, often transferring calls between different lines. Commonly found in organizations with many departments.

  • Before the digital age, switchboard operators played a crucial role in offices.
  • The switchboard operator will connect your call to the right department.

Examples of usage

  • The telephonist at the hotel directed my call to the front desk.
  • I used to work as a telephonist at a busy office.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

History

  • In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, telephonists were crucial in managing and connecting calls, often working in large central switchboards.
  • During World War I and II, telephonists played essential roles in military communications, aiding in strategical operations across distant locations.

Cultural Impact

  • Telephonists were often depicted in films and literature of the 1920s and 1930s as glamorous figures, representing the rise of modern communication.
  • The profession also inspired social movements advocating for womenโ€™s rights, as many telephonists were women entering the workforce at that time.

Technological Evolution

  • The invention of automatic switching systems in the mid-20th century led to a decline in demand for telephonists, as calls could be connected without human assistance.
  • With the rise of mobile technology, the role of the telephonist transformed and largely disappeared, reflecting broader shifts in communication.

Modern References

  • In popular culture, a telephonist is sometimes portrayed as a source of gossip, as they overheard conversations while connecting calls.
  • The term is less commonly used today, with modern roles like 'call center agent' or 'operator' being more prevalent.

Origin of 'telephonist'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'telephonist' comes from 'telephone,' which combines the Greek words โ€˜tele,โ€™ meaning far, and โ€˜phone,โ€™ meaning voice.
  • It first appeared in the early 20th century as telephones became widely used in homes and businesses.

The term 'telephonist' originated in the late 19th century as telephones became more common in households and businesses. It was initially used to describe the person responsible for operating manual telephone switchboards. With advancements in technology, the role of telephonists has evolved, but the term continues to be used in some contexts to refer to individuals who handle telephone calls.

See also: phone, phoneme, phonemic, phoner, phonetics, phoney, phonically, smartphone, telephone.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,282, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.