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Words that start with the tele- prefix

This list gathers words built on the Greek root tele-, meaning 'far' or 'distant.' It suits students studying Greek and Latin roots, anyone curious about how technology words like television and telephone got their names, and vocabulary learners who enjoy tracing word origins.

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Words that start with the tele- prefix

22 words
WordMeaningIn a sentenceSave
telephonenounA device used to transmit and receive spoken conversation over long distances.She picked up the telephone as soon as it began to ring.
televisionnounA device that receives broadcast signals and displays moving images with sound, or the medium of broadcasting itself.We gathered around the television to watch the season finale together.
telescopenounAn optical instrument that uses lenses or mirrors to make distant objects, especially in space, appear closer and larger.Through the telescope, we could clearly see the rings of Saturn.
telegraphnounA system or device for sending coded messages over long distances using electrical signals.News of the victory reached the capital by telegraph within a few hours.
telegramnounA short written message sent quickly over a distance using telegraph technology, common before telephones were widespread.He received a telegram announcing his brother's safe arrival overseas.
telepathynounThe supposed direct communication of thoughts or feelings from one mind to another without speech, writing, or other physical signals.The twins joked that they must share telepathy since they always think alike.
telecastnounA program or event that is broadcast on television.The championship game drew one of the largest telecasts of the year.
telecommuteverbTo work from home or another remote location using telephone, internet, and computer connections instead of traveling to an office.She telecommutes three days a week and drives to the office the rest.
teleconferencenounA meeting held between people in different locations using telephone or video technology.We held a teleconference with the Tokyo office to finalize the contract.
telekinesisnounThe claimed ability to move or affect physical objects using only the power of the mind, without physical contact.In the film, the hero uses telekinesis to hurl cars across the street.
telemarketingnounThe practice of selling products or services, or soliciting donations, by making calls to potential customers over the phone.He took a job in telemarketing, calling households to sell magazine subscriptions.
telemedicinenounThe remote diagnosis and treatment of patients using telecommunications technology such as video calls.Patients in rural areas rely on telemedicine to see specialists without long travel.
telemetrynounThe automatic measurement and wireless transmission of data from a remote source to a receiving station for monitoring.Engineers monitored the rocket's telemetry to track its speed and altitude.
telephotoadjectiveDescribing a camera lens designed to photograph distant subjects by making them appear closer and larger.She used a telephoto lens to capture the eagle perched on a far cliff.
teleprinternounAn electromechanical device once used to send and receive typed messages over telegraph or telephone lines.News agencies once relied on the teleprinter to distribute breaking stories.
teleplaynounA script or dramatic work written specifically for broadcast on television.The writer adapted the novel into a two-hour teleplay for the network.
teleportverbTo move a person or object instantly from one place to another without physically crossing the distance between.In the film, the scientist could teleport across the city in a fraction of a second.
teleprompternounA device that displays a scrolling script for a speaker to read while appearing to look directly at the audience or camera.The news anchor read the headlines smoothly off the teleprompter.
telethonnounA long television broadcast, often lasting many hours, organized to raise money for a charitable cause.The annual telethon raised millions of dollars for children's hospitals.
televiseverbTo broadcast an event or program on television.The network decided to televise the entire trial live.
teleworkverbTo perform one's job remotely, away from a central office, using computers and telecommunications.Many employees now telework full time instead of commuting downtown.
telexnounA former international system for sending typed text messages between subscribers over a network of teleprinters.Before email, the company confirmed overseas orders by telex.

What does tele- mean?

The root tele- comes from Greek and means 'far off' or 'distant.' It shows up in words describing communication or observation across distance, such as telephone (sound from afar), telescope (seeing from afar), and telepathy (feeling from afar). Recognizing this root makes it easier to guess the meaning of unfamiliar words that share it.

Frequently asked questions

What does the root tele mean?

It means 'far' or 'distant,' as in telescope, which lets you see distant objects.