How Do You Spell TELEGRAPH?

Pronunciation: [tˈɛlɪɡɹˌaf] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "telegraph" is a bit tricky. It is pronounced /ˈtɛlɪɡræf/ and contains two syllables. The first syllable is spelled "tel" and is pronounced /ˈtɛl/. The second syllable is spelled "e" and is pronounced /ɪ/. The third syllable is spelled "graph" and is pronounced /ɡræf/. The word originated from the Greek words "tele" meaning "far off" and "graphē" meaning "writing". Together, the word refers to a system of transmitting messages over a distance by electrical signals.

TELEGRAPH Meaning and Definition

  1. A telegraph is a communication system that transmits coded messages over long distances using electrical signals. It consists of a device that creates electrical impulses in response to pressing a key or a lever, which are then transmitted through a wire to a recipient who decodes them into a readable message. The telegraph provides a means of transmitting messages quickly and efficiently without the need for physical transportation.

    The telegraph was developed in the early 19th century and quickly became a widely used method of long-distance communication. It revolutionized communication and played a significant role in the development of global interconnectedness. The telegraph allowed for the transmission of information across vast distances in a matter of minutes, replacing slower methods such as mail or messengers.

    The coded messages transmitted through the telegraph are typically composed of short bursts of electrical signals, with each signal representing a specific letter, number, or symbol. These signals were initially communicated through the use of Morse code, a system of dots and dashes. However, various codes and methods have been used throughout history.

    While the telegraph has largely been replaced by more advanced technologies such as telephones and the internet, its invention had a profound impact on society and communication. It served as the foundation for subsequent developments in electrical communication, and its historical significance persists in the modern world.

  2. • To convey or announce by telegraph.
    • An apparatus or machine employed to convey intelligence to a distance, formerly effected by visible signals, and only to a limited distance, but now the signals are given in the form of marks or movements indicating letters and words by means of a current of electricity sent through a wire with inconceivable rapidity, and to any distance.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for TELEGRAPH *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for TELEGRAPH

Etymology of TELEGRAPH

The word telegraph is derived from two Greek roots: tele, meaning far off or distant, and graphein, meaning to write. Combined, telegraph literally means to write from a distance.

Idioms with the word TELEGRAPH

  • the bush telegraph The idiom "the bush telegraph" refers to an informal network of communication used in remote or rural areas, particularly in African countries. It suggests the spread of news, information, or gossip through word of mouth or other informal means. It points to the idea that even in areas without modern technology or formal communication systems, people can still stay connected and informed through their own reliable network.
  • bush telegraph The idiom "bush telegraph" refers to the informal and rapid transmission of information or gossip within a community or group, usually through word of mouth or informal channels. It originates from the concept of an informal communication network used in remote or rural areas, where news, rumors, or updates are spread verbally, akin to a telegraph system, but without any formal infrastructure.
  • jungle telegraph The idiom "jungle telegraph" refers to the rapid spread of information or gossip through informal channels or networks, often among a group of people in close proximity. It is derived from the practice of communication among groups in remote areas or jungles, where news or messages would be swiftly transmitted among members of the community using drums, smoke signals, or other non-written methods.
  • hear (something) on the jungle telegraph The idiom "hear (something) on the jungle telegraph" refers to the informal and rapid spread of information or gossip through a network of unofficial channels within a community or group of people. It implies that news or rumors are being transmitted quickly and informally, similar to how sound travels through the dense and interconnected jungle foliage.
  • telegraph one's punches The idiom "telegraph one's punches" refers to the act of unintentionally revealing or indicating one's intentions or actions in advance, especially in a way that allows others to predict or prepare for them. It originates from the sport of boxing, where telegraphing a punch means giving clear signals or cues (such as a noticeable movement or change in stance) that indicate the type and direction of the punch to be thrown, thereby giving the opponent an advantage in countering or avoiding it. In a broader sense, the idiom is often used to describe situations where someone makes their intentions or plans too obvious, making it easier for others to anticipate or undermine their actions.

Similar spelling words for TELEGRAPH

Plural form of TELEGRAPH is TELEGRAPHS

Conjugate verb Telegraph

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have telegraphed
you would have telegraphed
he/she/it would have telegraphed
we would have telegraphed
they would have telegraphed
I would have telegraph
you would have telegraph
he/she/it would have telegraph
we would have telegraph
they would have telegraph

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been telegraphing
you would have been telegraphing
he/she/it would have been telegraphing
we would have been telegraphing
they would have been telegraphing

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would telegraph
you would telegraph
he/she/it would telegraph
we would telegraph
they would telegraph

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be telegraphing
you would be telegraphing
he/she/it would be telegraphing
we would be telegraphing
they would be telegraphing

FUTURE

I will telegraph
you will telegraph
he/she/it will telegraph
we will telegraph
they will telegraph

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be telegraphing
you will be telegraphing
he/she/it will be telegraphing
we will be telegraphing
they will be telegraphing

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have telegraphed
you will have telegraphed
he/she/it will have telegraphed
we will have telegraphed
they will have telegraphed

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been telegraphing
you will have been telegraphing
he/she/it will have been telegraphing
we will have been telegraphing
they will have been telegraphing

IMPERATIVE

you telegraph
we let´s telegraph

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to telegraph

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was telegraphing
you were telegraphing
he/she/it was telegraphing
we were telegraphing
they were telegraphing

PAST PARTICIPLE

telegraphed

PAST PERFECT

I had telegraphed
you had telegraphed
he/she/it had telegraphed
we had telegraphed
they had telegraphed

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been telegraphing
you had been telegraphing
he/she/it had been telegraphing
we had been telegraphing
they had been telegraphing

PRESENT

I telegraph
you telegraph
he/she/it telegraphs
we telegraph
they telegraph

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am telegraphing
you are telegraphing
he/she/it is telegraphing
we are telegraphing
they are telegraphing

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

telegraphing

PRESENT PERFECT

I have telegraphed
you have telegraphed
he/she/it has telegraphed
we have telegraphed
they have telegraphed

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been telegraphing
you have been telegraphing
he/she/it has been telegraphing
we have been telegraphing
they have been telegraphing

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it telegraph

SIMPLE PAST

I telegraphed
you telegraphed
he/she/it telegraphed
we telegraphed
they telegraphed

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