telescopic

Meanings

1. 1adjectivenot comparable

   Relating to a telescope or made with a telescope.

   Grammar: Usually before a noun: telescopic observation. Not normally used after 'very' or in comparisons.

   Patterns

   • telescopic observation
   • telescopic lens
   • telescopic view

   The astronomers made telescopic observations of the comet.

   A telescopic lens allows you to photograph distant wildlife.

2. 2adjectivenot comparable

   Able to extend and retract by sliding sections, like the tube of a telescope.

   Grammar: Describes objects that can be made longer or shorter: a telescopic handle. Not used with 'more' or 'most'.

   Patterns

   • telescopic handle
   • telescopic antenna
   • telescopic legs

   The suitcase has a telescopic handle that slides back into place.

   He used a telescopic pole to reach the high window.

3. 3adjectivenot comparablefigurative

   Able to see or understand things that are far away or not obvious; far-reaching.

   Grammar: Figurative use, often before nouns like 'vision' or 'insight'. Not used in comparisons.

   Patterns

   • telescopic vision
   • telescopic insight

   Her telescopic vision spotted the problem long before anyone else.

   The book offers a telescopic view of the whole century.

Common combinations

telescopic sight

The rifle is fitted with a telescopic sight for long-distance shooting.

telescopic handle

The mop has a telescopic handle that adjusts to your height.

telescopic observation

Telescopic observation revealed a new moon around Jupiter.

Synonyms and how they differ

extendable

Extendable means able to be made longer, but does not necessarily imply sliding sections like a telescope; telescopic is more specific.

collapsible

Collapsible means able to be folded down, while telescopic means the parts slide into each other.

Word family

telescope noun

An instrument that makes distant objects appear closer and larger.

telescope verb

To shorten by sliding parts together, or to make events overlap.

Commonly confused: telescopic or microscopic?

Practice

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