Definition

To communicate with someone using a telephone.

Example

I will telephone you tomorrow to discuss the plans.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you telephone Mark about the meeting?

Yeah, I just got off the line with him.

Great! Was he able to join us?

He said he'll telephone us back with his answer.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A device used to make and receive voice calls over distances by converting sound into electrical signals and back again.

Example

I called my friend on the telephone to discuss our plans for the weekend.

Conversation

Do you remember when we used to call each other on the telephone?

Of course! It was so much fun just chatting for hours.

I feel like we rarely use the telephone these days.

Definition

To make a call to someone using a telephone or to communicate with someone by phone.

Example

I will telephone my friend to ask about the meeting.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Hey, did you telephone her about the meeting later?

Not yet, I was planning to do it after lunch.

You should telephone her soon; she might need time to prepare.

Root Explanation

Telephone → It is formed from "tele-" (from Greek "tēle", meaning far or distant) and "phone" (from Greek "phōnē", meaning voice or sound). The word "telephone" means a device that transmits sound over a distance.

Memory Tip

Think of 'far' ('tele-') and 'voice' ('phōnē') to remember that a telephone is a device that allows you to hear someone's voice from far away.

Visually Confused Words