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Telephony Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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telephony

[tɪˈlɛfəni ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

communication technology

The branch of technology that deals with the transmission of voice, video, data, and images over long distances.

Synonyms

phone system, telecommunication.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
telephony

Utilized in technical and business environments to describe the technology and operation of telephones and telephone systems.

  • The advancements in telephony have improved customer service
  • The company is upgrading its telephony infrastructure
telecommunication

Appropriate for discussing broader aspects of transmitting information over distances, including not just voice calls, but also data and video communications.

  • The future of telecommunication includes 5G technology
  • She is studying telecommunication in university
phone system

Commonly used in business and office settings to refer to the integrated setup of phones, including hardware and software, for managing calls.

  • We need to install a new phone system for the office
  • The phone system is down, and we cannot make any calls

Examples of usage

  • Telephony has evolved significantly over the years.
  • Many businesses rely on telephony for their communication needs.
Context #2 | Noun

telephone system

A system used for transmitting voices over a distance using wire or radio, typically through a network of wires or radio waves.

Synonyms

communication network, phone service.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
telephony

Used when referring to the technology and methods for transmitting voice communication over distances, typically related to the functioning and technical aspects of phone systems.

  • The company specializes in providing advanced telephony solutions
  • The new telephony system integrates with our email service
phone service

Used when talking about the actual service provided by telecommunication companies to allow for voice calls. It commonly refers to the consumer aspect of telephony.

  • I need to switch my phone service provider for better rates
  • The phone service in this area is very reliable
communication network

Refers to the infrastructure and systems used for transmitting various types of communication (voice, data, video). It's often used in broader technological and networking contexts.

  • The communication network is crucial for supporting high-speed internet services
  • Upgrades to the communication network will improve reliability

Examples of usage

  • The telephony infrastructure in this area needs to be upgraded.
  • She works in the telephony department of the company.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The first successful voice transmission was achieved by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876.
  • Early telephones were connected by wires and required operators to manually connect calls.
  • The advent of the rotary dial in the early 20th century revolutionized how people interacted with their phones.

Technology

  • Modern telephony has evolved with mobile phones, which allow for wireless communication.
  • VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology lets users make calls using the internet, rather than traditional phone lines.
  • Smartphones have integrated telephony with apps, enabling video calls and messaging over data networks.

Cultural Impact

  • Telephony has changed how people communicate, making it possible to maintain relationships regardless of distance.
  • In many cultures, the telephone is seen as a vital tool for business communication and personal connections.
  • Telephony has influenced art, literature, and film, often symbolizing connection or separation.

Psychology

  • Research shows that voice communication can enhance empathy compared to text-based communication.
  • Hearing a voice can evoke emotional responses and strengthen bonds between people, even over distances.
  • Telephonic communication has implications for mental health, providing a lifeline for those feeling isolated.

Origin of 'telephony'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek roots 'tele', meaning 'distant', and 'phone', meaning 'voice' or 'sound'.
  • The term was first used in the early 20th century to describe the technology of transmitting voice electronically.

The word 'telephony' comes from the Greek roots 'tele-' meaning 'distant' and '-phōnē' meaning 'sound' or 'voice'. It was first used in the late 19th century to describe the technology of transmitting sound over long distances. Telephony has since evolved to encompass a wide range of communication technologies beyond just voice transmission.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,776, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.