telephonic

Meanings

1. 1adjectivebefore a nounformal

   Relating to a telephone or to communication by telephone.

   Grammar: Usually comes before a noun: a telephonic conversation, telephonic equipment.

   Patterns

   • telephonic communication
   • telephonic conversation
   • telephonic equipment

   The two leaders had a brief telephonic conversation.

   Telephonic communication was restored after the storm.

   The report describes advances in telephonic technology.

2. 2adjectivebefore a nounformal

   Done or given by telephone rather than in person.

   Grammar: Used before nouns such as interview, vote, or hearing.

   Patterns

   • a telephonic interview
   • a telephonic vote
   • a telephonic hearing

   She had a telephonic interview for the job in New York.

   The committee held a telephonic vote on the proposal.

   A telephonic hearing was arranged because the witness could not travel.

Common combinations

telephonic communication

The soldiers relied on telephonic communication during the operation.

telephonic interview

The first stage of the application is a telephonic interview.

telephonic conversation

I had a short telephonic conversation with the manager.

telephonic equipment

The company supplies telephonic equipment to call centers.

Synonyms and how they differ

phone

Used before nouns in everyday speech: a phone interview, phone call. 'Telephonic' is much more formal.

telephone

Also used before nouns but is the noun form: telephone call, telephone interview. 'Telephonic' is the adjective.

Word family

telephone noun

The device or system for voice calls.

telephonically adverb

By means of a telephone.

telephony noun

The technology or business of telephone communication.

Commonly confused: telephonic or telegenic?

Practice

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