telegraphic style

Meanings

1. 1noununcountable

   A way of writing or speaking in very short phrases that leaves out small words like articles and auxiliary verbs, as if every word cost money.

   Grammar: Usually preceded by in: written in telegraphic style.

   Patterns

   • in telegraphic style
   • a telegraphic style of something

   Her notes were in a telegraphic style: 'Arrived late. Rain. No lunch.'

   Newspaper headlines often use a telegraphic style to save space.

   The old soldier wrote home in telegraphic style, giving only the barest facts.

2. 2noununcountablespecialistchild language

   In linguistics, the way very young children speak, using key content words and omitting small grammar words, as in 'want cookie'.

   Grammar: Often described as telegraphic speech or telegraphic style in child language studies.

   Patterns

   • the telegraphic style of toddlers

   Toddlers in the telegraphic style say things like 'doggy go out'.

   Researchers noted the telegraphic style in the child's two-word sentences.

   Her speech moved from single words to a telegraphic style at about two years old.

Common combinations

write in telegraphic style

Engineers often write field reports in telegraphic style.

adopt a telegraphic style

The author adopts a telegraphic style that makes the story feel urgent.

a terse telegraphic style

His emails had a terse, telegraphic style.

telegraphic style of notes

The telegraphic style of the notes made them quick to read.

a telegraphic style in headlines

A telegraphic style in headlines saves space on the page.

Synonyms and how they differ

terse style

Terse style is any very short, abrupt manner, while telegraphic style specifically drops grammar words.

clipped style

Clipped style suggests brisk, cut-off speech and often includes a note of coldness, which telegraphic style does not require.

shorthand

Shorthand is a system of symbols for fast writing, not a way of omitting words in ordinary language.

abbreviated style

Abbreviated style shortens words and phrases, while telegraphic style removes connective words.

Opposites

Word family

telegraph noun

a system for sending messages by wire

telegram noun

a message sent by telegraph

telegraphic adjective

short and clipped, like a telegram

telegraphically adverb

in a clipped way

Commonly confused: telegraphic style or telepathic? telegraphic style or telegraph?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “telegraphic style”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words