high definition television: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumTechnical, Marketing, Everyday (in contexts discussing media and technology)
Quick answer
What does “high definition television” mean?
A system and technology for broadcasting and receiving television signals with a significantly higher number of scanning lines (and thus higher picture detail and clarity) than traditional standard-definition systems.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A system and technology for broadcasting and receiving television signals with a significantly higher number of scanning lines (and thus higher picture detail and clarity) than traditional standard-definition systems.
The physical television set capable of displaying such high-resolution signals; by extension, any content produced or broadcast in this high-resolution format.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The abbreviation 'HDTV' is equally common in both varieties. The phrase 'telly' (UK) or 'TV' (US) may be used conversationally in place of 'television'.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes modernity, superior picture quality, and is considered the standard for broadcasting and home entertainment, having superseded 'standard definition'.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English in its abbreviated form (HDTV) due to heavier marketing usage historically. The full form is equally common in technical writing.
Grammar
How to Use “high definition television” in a Sentence
watch [sth] on high definition televisionbroadcast [sth] in high definitionthe advent of high definition televisionVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “high definition television” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- This channel does not yet high-definition televise the nightly news.
- [Note: 'televise in HD' is the standard phrasing; this verb form is non-standard and rare]
American English
- The network plans to high-definition televise the entire championship series.
- [Note: 'televise in HD' is the standard phrasing; this verb form is non-standard and rare]
adverb
British English
- The film was shot high-definition televisionly. [Non-standard; correct: '...shot in high definition.']
American English
- The game was broadcast high-definition televisionly. [Non-standard; correct: '...broadcast in high definition.']
adjective
British English
- We bought a new high-definition television licence for the flat.
- The high-definition television broadcast was stunning.
American English
- We need a high-definition television antenna for the roof.
- The high-definition television picture quality is worth the extra cost.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Referring to market trends, consumer electronics sales, broadcasting rights, and advertising on HD channels.
Academic
Used in media studies, electrical engineering, and communications technology papers discussing resolution standards, signal compression, or the history of broadcasting.
Everyday
Discussing home entertainment, shopping for a new TV, or commenting on the picture quality of a sports broadcast or film.
Technical
Specifying broadcast standards (e.g., 720p, 1080i, 1080p), pixel density, aspect ratios, and compatibility with other AV equipment.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “high definition television”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “high definition television”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “high definition television”
- Incorrect hyphenation: 'high-definition-television' (over-hyphenated). Correct as a compound noun is 'high definition television' or hyphenated when used attributively: 'high-definition television set'.
- Confusing it with '4K' or 'Ultra HD', which are newer, higher-resolution standards.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'HDTV' is the universal abbreviation and is more commonly used in everyday speech and marketing.
Yes, to get the full HD signal, you typically need an HDMI cable connecting your set-top box or media player to the TV.
'HD' generally refers to 720p resolution (1280x720 pixels), while 'Full HD' refers to 1080p resolution (1920x1080 pixels), which is sharper.
In many countries, free-to-air broadcasters transmit HD channels, so you may only need a compatible TV and, in some cases, a HD receiver. However, premium content often requires a subscription.
A system and technology for broadcasting and receiving television signals with a significantly higher number of scanning lines (and thus higher picture detail and clarity) than traditional standard-definition systems.
High definition television is usually technical, marketing, everyday (in contexts discussing media and technology) in register.
High definition television: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhaɪ ˌdef.ɪˈnɪʃ.ən ˈtel.ɪ.vɪʒ.ən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhaɪ ˌdef.əˈnɪʃ.ən ˈtel.ə.vɪʒ.ən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[no common idioms for this specific term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'HIGH' definition as a TV picture so clear and detailed you feel like you are on a high mountain with a perfect view of everything.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLARITY IS VISUAL DETAIL / QUALITY IS HEIGHT (high definition vs. low definition).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common everyday synonym for 'high definition television'?