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callback

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˈkɔːl.bæk/

KK: /ˈkɔlˌbæk/

noun
Definition

A situation where someone is called back, often referring to a return call or the act of recalling something or someone.


Example

The company issued a callback for the defective product to ensure customer safety.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear about the callback for that new phone model?
Sloth B
Yeah, I saw that it had some issues with the battery.
Sloth A
It's a good thing they're taking action with the callback before it gets worse.
Sloth B
Absolutely, I wouldn't want to deal with a faulty phone!

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
recall
return
reinstatement
Antonyms
dismissal
departure
layoff
Root Explanation

Callback → It is formed from "call" (from Old English *ceallian*, meaning to cry out or summon) and "back" (from Old English *bæc*, meaning the rear or reverse side). The word "callback" refers to a return call or a call made back to someone.

Memory Tip

Think of someone 'crying out' ('call') and then doing it 'again' in the 'reverse' direction ('back') — that's why a callback means returning a call.

Visually Confused Words
fallback
caback
scaleback
camelback
dallack
colback
calpack
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