intercom
C1neutral
Definition
Meaning
A system, device, or network of devices for voice communication within a building, aircraft, or other limited area.
Any two-way internal communication system, often using microphones and loudspeakers, allowing conversation between rooms or different parts of a vehicle.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun; often used attributively (e.g., 'intercom system'). Implies internal communication, not external telephone calls.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Spelling and pronunciation are identical. The device is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral in both. Often associated with offices, schools, hospitals, and aircraft.
Frequency
Comparable frequency. Slight increase in British usage referring to a door-entry system ('buzz the intercom').
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
use [the] intercomannounce [sth] over the intercomhear [sb] on the intercomconnect via intercominstall an intercomVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Buzz me in (using the door intercom).”
- “It came over the intercom.”
- “On the blower (slang, not specific).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used for internal announcements or calling someone to reception.
Academic
Rare; might appear in descriptions of building facilities.
Everyday
Common for apartment building entry systems or office communication.
Technical
Specified as part of security, aviation, or naval communication systems.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I'll intercom you when I'm ready.
- The pilot intercommed the cabin crew.
American English
- She intercommed the front desk.
- The director intercommed his assistant.
adverb
British English
- They communicated intercom.
adjective
British English
- The intercom line is crackly.
- We need an intercom upgrade.
American English
- Check the intercom wiring.
- It's an intercom issue.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- There is an intercom at the door.
- The teacher spoke on the intercom.
- Please use the intercom to call the office.
- A message came over the ship's intercom.
- The intercom system allows staff to communicate between floors without using mobile phones.
- He buzzed the intercom three times before anyone answered.
- The aircraft's intercom protocol requires the pilot to acknowledge all cabin crew requests.
- Sophisticated intercom networks can integrate with the building's security and fire alarm systems.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: INTERnal COMmunication = INTERCOM.
Conceptual Metaphor
A VOICE TUBE connecting separate spaces.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate as 'радио' (radio) or 'телефон' (telephone). The closest equivalent is 'домофон' (for entry systems) or 'переговорное устройство'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'intercom' to refer to a walkie-talkie or mobile phone. Confusing it with a standard telephone for external calls.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is an 'intercom' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is neutral and used in both formal and informal contexts.
Yes, though less common (e.g., 'I'll intercom you'). It's more typical to say 'call on the intercom' or 'buzz'.
An intercom is typically two-way and for conversation between specific points. A PA (Public Address) system is usually one-way for broadcasting announcements to many people.
Yes, a door entry system with audio (and sometimes video) is commonly called an intercom or door intercom.
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