robocall
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈroʊboʊˌkɔl/
KK: /ˈroʊboʊˌkɔl/
noun
Definition
A phone call made by a machine that plays a recorded message instead of a live person, often used for marketing or information purposes.
Example
I received a robocall about a special offer on my phone yesterday.
Conversation
Did you get that annoying robocall yesterday?
Yeah, I did! I never pick up those calls anymore.
Same here! It's always the same recorded message.
I know, right? They should really find a better way to reach people.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
spamcall
telemarketer
autodialer
Antonyms
personalcall
livecall
directcall
verb
Definition
To make automated phone calls that deliver a recorded message, often used for telemarketing or political campaigns.
Example
The company decided to robocall potential customers to promote their new product.
Tense Forms
Past: robocalled
Past Participle: robocalled
Conversation
Have you noticed how many robocalls we've been getting lately?
Yeah, it's so annoying! I get at least three a day.
I wonder if there's a way to stop them from robocalling us.
Root Explanation
Robocall is formed from "robo-" (derived from the Czech word "robota", meaning forced labor or work) and "call" (from Old English "ceallian", meaning to cry out or summon). The term refers to a call made by an automated system, often for telemarketing purposes.
Memory Tip
Think of 'robo-' as relating to machines or automation, and 'call' as summoning someone. This helps you remember that a robocall is a call made by a machine.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.