Voicemail Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ญ
voicemail
[หvษษชsmeษชl ]
Definition
phone communication
Voicemail is a system that allows callers to leave voice messages for the recipient to listen to later. This technology became prevalent in the 1980s and serves as an alternative to traditional answering machines. Voicemail can store messages that can be retrieved at a convenient time for the recipient. It is widely used in both personal and business environments for efficient communication.
Synonyms
answering service, voice message.
Examples of usage
- I checked my voicemail this morning.
- Please leave a voicemail if I donโt answer.
- Her voicemail was full, so I couldn't leave a message.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Technology
- Voicemail systems first emerged in the 1970s, primarily to enhance telephone communication.
- Innovative features like visual voicemail allow users to see and select messages instead of listening to them in order.
Cultural Impact
- Voicemail changed personal and business communication by providing a means to receive messages when unavailable.
- In popular culture, voicemail messages are often used humorously or dramatically in movies and TV shows, representing modern communication challenges.
Psychology
- The introduction of voicemail has affected how people perceive urgency in communication, where immediate responses have become more common.
- Research shows that some individuals may experience anxiety related to missed calls and the anticipation of listening to voicemails.
Literature
- Voicemail features in various narratives, symbolizing connection and disconnection, often highlighting the complexities of communication in the modern age.
- Authors have used voicemail as a plot device to reveal character emotions and intentions without face-to-face interactions.
Origin of 'voicemail'
Main points about word origin
- The term combines 'voice,' referring to the sound of speaking, and 'mail,' which traditionally means sending messages or letters.
- It became popular in the late 20th century as technology evolved to include telephone answering systems that could record messages.
The term 'voicemail' is a compound word formed from 'voice' and 'mail'. 'Voice' derives from the Latin word 'vox', meaning 'voice' or 'sound'. 'Mail' originally comes from the Old English 'male', which referred to a bag or pouch used for transporting letters. The combination of these terms reflects the function of recording spoken messages that can be sent and retrieved like written correspondence. The technology began developing in the late 20th century as digital recordings replaced older answering machine systems. The commercialization of voicemail systems escalated in the 1980s, particularly with the rise of mobile phones, altering how people manage and communicate messages.