dictaphone: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical (historical), Business
Quick answer
What does “dictaphone” mean?
A proprietary brand name (Dictaphone) for a machine that records speech so it can be played back and typed up later.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proprietary brand name (Dictaphone) for a machine that records speech so it can be played back and typed up later.
A generic term (now often historical) for any device used to record spoken words for transcription, especially in office settings. In modern contexts, it can refer to digital voice recorders or dictation software, though the brand connotation remains strong.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term similarly. The trademark is American in origin, but the generic usage is understood in both regions.
Connotations
In both regions, it strongly connotes business dictation and transcription. May sound slightly dated or specific to certain professions (e.g., law, medicine).
Frequency
Low frequency in contemporary everyday language. More likely encountered in historical contexts, legal/medical settings, or by older generations. The term 'voice recorder' or 'digital recorder' is more common for modern devices.
Grammar
How to Use “dictaphone” in a Sentence
[Subject] + dictated + [Object] + into the dictaphone.[Subject] + transcribed + [Object] + from the dictaphone.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dictaphone” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The solicitor will dictate the letter onto the dictaphone.
American English
- The attorney dictated her notes into the Dictaphone.
adverb
British English
- He spoke dictaphone-slowly for clarity.
American English
- She dictated her report dictaphone-carefully.
adjective
British English
- The dictaphone recording was played back in court.
American English
- The dictaphone tape was entered as evidence.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The executive dictated her memos into a dictaphone for her assistant to transcribe.
Academic
The historian studied a collection of dictaphone recordings from the 1960s corporate archives.
Everyday
My grandfather still has his old dictaphone from his law office.
Technical
Early dictaphones used wax cylinders, later replaced by magnetic tape cassettes.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dictaphone”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dictaphone”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dictaphone”
- Misspelling as 'dictophone' or 'dictafone'.
- Using it as a verb (to dictaphone) – the verb is 'to dictate'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the Dictaphone brand still exists, but it is now owned by Nuance Communications and refers to digital dictation and speech recognition software, not the older physical machines.
In informal contexts, it is sometimes used generically, but it's more accurate and common to use 'voice recorder' or 'digital recorder' for modern devices to avoid the dated or trademark-specific connotations.
A dictaphone is specifically designed for recording human speech clearly for the purpose of transcription, often with features like foot pedal controls for playback. A general tape recorder is for recording any audio.
Because the iconic physical dictaphone machines were prevalent in offices from the 1940s through the 1980s. The technology has been largely superseded by digital files and software, making the term a period piece.
A proprietary brand name (Dictaphone) for a machine that records speech so it can be played back and typed up later.
Dictaphone is usually formal, technical (historical), business in register.
Dictaphone: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɪktəfəʊn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɪktəfoʊn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The dictaphone never lies. (Used to emphasize the accuracy of a recorded statement.)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DICTate + PHONE (sound) = A device for dictating sound.
Conceptual Metaphor
AN EXTENSION OF THE SECRETARY (The dictaphone acts as a tool that captures and stores spoken language for later processing by another person or system).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary historical function of a dictaphone?