autodial
C2 (Very Low Frequency)Technical, Historical
Definition
Meaning
A feature that automatically dials a pre-set telephone number or series of numbers.
To dial a telephone number automatically using a device, program, or feature; the function or capability itself, especially in older telephone systems, modems, or dialing software.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily associated with outdated technology (e.g., dial-up modems, early telephone systems). In modern contexts, the concept is largely subsumed by 'speed dial' or 'contact list' on smartphones, making the term feel anachronistic. Can be used as a noun ('the autodial function') or a verb ('to autodial a number').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling is consistent. The term is equally archaic in both varieties.
Connotations
Evokes 1980s-1990s technology, such as fax machines, early answering machines, and dial-up internet. Neutral in tone, purely descriptive of a function.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary everyday use in both regions. May appear in technical manuals, historical descriptions, or nostalgic contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Device/Software] autodials [Number/Contact][User] set up autodial for [Number]The [feature] of autodialVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Historically used for office phones or fax machines to quickly contact frequent clients. Now largely obsolete.
Academic
Might appear in papers on the history of telecommunications or human-computer interaction.
Everyday
Virtually unused. An older person might refer to a 'speed dial' button on a landline as 'autodial'.
Technical
Used in legacy system documentation for modems or Private Branch Exchange (PBX) systems, referring to a scripted dialing sequence.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The fax machine can autodial the central office if it detects an error.
- I've programmed the modem to autodial the service number every hour.
American English
- The security system will autodial the police station in case of a breach.
- You need to autodial 9 first to get an outside line.
adverb
British English
- Not used adverbially.
American English
- Not used adverbially.
adjective
British English
- The autodial facility on this old phone is surprisingly reliable.
- Check the autodial settings in the configuration menu.
American English
- This model comes with an autodial feature for emergency contacts.
- The autodial software is incompatible with modern operating systems.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My grandmother's phone has an autodial button for my number.
- The old alarm system used to autodial the fire department.
- The technician explained how to configure the modem to autodial the internet provider.
- Due to its autodial capability, the device could repeatedly attempt the connection without user intervention.
- Legacy autodial scripts, common in early telemarketing, are now largely prohibited by robocall regulations.
- The research paper contrasted user trust in modern voice assistants with early skepticism towards autodial features.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
AUTOmatically DIALs the number for you. Think of an AUTOmatic telephone DIALer.
Conceptual Metaphor
TECHNOLOGY IS A SERVANT (it performs the tedious task of dialing for you).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводить как "автодиктант" (auto-dictation) или "авторазговор".
- Прямой перевод "автодозвон" понятен, но лучше использовать описательный перевод: "функция автоматического набора номера".
Common Mistakes
- Using 'autodial' to refer to a modern smartphone's contact list or recent calls list.
- Spelling as 'auto-dial' (hyphenated form is less standard for the noun/verb).
Practice
Quiz
In which modern device would you be LEAST likely to encounter the term 'autodial' in its official manual?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are very similar. 'Autodial' often implies a more automated, programmable, or sequential process (e.g., a modem dialing a list of numbers), while 'speed dial' typically refers to a single button assigned to one number. In modern usage, 'speed dial' is the common term.
Yes, though it is rare. You can say "The software will autodial the list of contacts." The past tense is typically 'autodialed' (US) or 'autodialled' (UK).
The specific technology it describes (automatic electro-mechanical or early digital dialing) has been obsolete for decades. Its function is now integrated into all digital devices under different names (e.g., calling a contact, redial).
The hyphenated form was more common when the term was new (mid-20th century). The solid form 'autodial' is now the standard spelling for both noun and verb, as seen in most technical dictionaries.