Reading Theme:
Phone Meaning, Examples and Common Usage
Meaning 1：telephone (phone)
phone
/foʊn/
n.
A small electronic device that lets you talk to people who are far away.
telephone
➕
/ˈtɛləˌfoʊn/
n.
An electronic device used for voice communication over long distances, typically by converting sound into electrical signals.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Greek 'phōnē' meaning voice or sound, via Latin and French into English.
💡 Mnemonic
Think: 'PH' as in 'PHysics' of sound waves; 'ONE' device connects you with one person far away.
📖 Example
She was walking down the street, laughing into her phone while chatting with her best friend.
She was walking down the street, laughing into her phone while chatting with her best friend.
🔗 Collocations
make a phone call – To use a phone to speak with someone
phone number – A numerical code assigned to a telephone line
phone screen – The display surface of a mobile phone
🔄 Synonyms
telephone (n.) – An older term for a device used for voice communication over distances
cell phone (n.) – A mobile phone that operates using cellular network technology
mobile (n.) – A portable telephone that works via radio signals
🚫 Antonyms
landline (n.) – A phone connected by physical wires, not wireless
🌱 Derivatives
telephonic (adj.) – Relating to or used in a telephone system
phoner (n.) – A person who makes a phone call
phoneless (adj.) – Without a phone
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'phone' originates from ancient Greek 'phōnē' (sound/voice). Alexander Graham Bell's invention in 1876 popularised the term 'telephone', later shortened to 'phone'.
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser