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Television: meaning, definitions and examples

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television

 

[ˈtɛlɪˌvɪʒ(ə)n ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

watching entertainment programs

A device used for receiving television signals and displaying them on a screen. Televisions are commonly used for watching news, movies, sports, and other entertainment programs.

Synonyms

boob tube, telescreen, tv.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
television

Commonly used in formal and neutral contexts to refer to the medium or the device. Suitable for professional, educational, or general communication.

  • The new television series is gaining a lot of popularity.
  • Television has a significant impact on our culture.
tv

Casual and informal term used frequently in everyday conversation to refer to the device or medium.

  • Let's watch some TV after dinner.
  • Do you have a smart TV at home?
telescreen

Typically used in a dystopian or science fiction context. It often refers to a device that not only displays content but also surveils viewers, as popularized by George Orwell's novel '1984'.

  • In the novel, the telescreen was used to monitor people's activities.
  • I feel like we're living in an era where our phones are becoming telescreens.
boob tube

A colloquial and somewhat outdated term with a slightly negative connotation, often implying that the viewer is wasting time or that the content is of low quality.

  • You've been watching the boob tube all day. How about going outside?
  • I'm tired of the useless stuff they show on the boob tube.

Examples of usage

  • I like to watch the news on television every evening.
  • She enjoys watching movies on television with her family.
  • The football game will be broadcast on television this weekend.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from combining the Greek 'tele', meaning 'far', and the Latin 'visio', meaning 'sight'.
  • The term was first coined in the early 1900s, but the first successful demonstration of television came much later in 1927.

Historical Origins

  • The earliest television broadcasts began in the late 1920s, revolutionizing how people consumed information and entertainment.
  • Color television was first introduced to the public in the 1950s, greatly enhancing the viewing experience.

Cultural Impact

  • Television has influenced popular culture significantly, shaping trends, fashion, and social norms through its wide reach.
  • Certain TV shows have sparked major social movements and discussions, reflecting and affecting societal change.

Technology

  • Initially, televisions used cathode ray tubes; now, LCD, LED, and OLED technologies create sharper, more energy-efficient screens.
  • Smart TVs have transformed the experience, allowing users to connect to the internet and stream content from various platforms.

Psychology

  • Studies suggest that excessive TV watching can lead to decreased physical activity and increased feelings of loneliness.
  • Conversely, certain programs can positively impact viewers' emotions, providing comfort and a sense of community.

Translations

Translations of the word "television" in other languages:

🇵🇹 televisão

🇮🇳 टेलीविज़न (ṭelīvijhan)

🇩🇪 Fernseher

🇮🇩 televisi

🇺🇦 телевізор

🇵🇱 telewizor

🇯🇵 テレビ (terebi)

🇫🇷 télévision

🇪🇸 televisión

🇹🇷 televizyon

🇰🇷 텔레비전 (tellebijeon)

🇸🇦 تلفاز (tilfaz)

🇨🇿 televize

🇸🇰 televízia

🇨🇳 电视 (diànshì)

🇸🇮 televizija

🇮🇸 sjónvarp

🇰🇿 теледидар

🇬🇪 ტელევიზორი (ṭelevizori)

🇦🇿 televizor

🇲🇽 televisión

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,348, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.