telephone answering machine
MediumNeutral
Definition
Meaning
A device that automatically answers telephone calls and records messages.
An electronic apparatus connected to a telephone line that plays a pre-recorded greeting to callers and allows them to leave voice messages for later retrieval.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often shortened to 'answering machine' in casual speech; may be conflated with digital voicemail services in modern usage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'answerphone' is a common alternative term, while in American English, 'answering machine' is predominantly used.
Connotations
Generally neutral; can imply older technology in the digital age.
Frequency
More frequently referred to as 'answering machine' in American English; in British English, both 'answering machine' and 'answerphone' are common.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to operate a telephone answering machinemessages stored on the telephone answering machinethe telephone answering machine records callsVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to let the machine get it”
- “screening calls with the answering machine”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Common in office environments for managing after-hours calls and client communications.
Academic
Seldom used in academic writing; may appear in historical or technological studies.
Everyday
Frequently mentioned in personal conversations about missed calls or household gadgets.
Technical
Refers to specific hardware in telecommunications, often discussed in manuals or tech reviews.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We need to telephone and check the answering machine for updates.
American English
- She always answers the phone, but when she's out, the machine takes over.
adjective
British English
- The telephone-answering-machine technology has evolved over the years.
American English
- An answering-machine message was left with the details.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have a telephone answering machine at home.
- When I am not available, the telephone answering machine records messages for me.
- Modern telephone answering machines can be programmed to screen unwanted calls.
- The advent of telephone answering machines in the late 20th century significantly altered business communication protocols.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'telephone' for calls, 'answering' for responses, and 'machine' for the device – together, it's a machine that answers telephone calls.
Conceptual Metaphor
A digital secretary or a message keeper.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating word-for-word; in Russian, use 'автоответчик' which corresponds to 'auto-responder' or 'answering machine'.
- Do not confuse with 'голосовая почта' which is 'voicemail', a service rather than a device.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'telephone answering machin' or 'telephone answearing machine'.
- Using 'voicemail' interchangeably when referring to the physical device.
- Incorrect pluralization: 'telephone answering machines' is correct.
Practice
Quiz
Which term is commonly used in British English as a synonym for 'telephone answering machine'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A telephone answering machine is a physical device that records messages, while voicemail is often a digital service provided by telephone companies or integrated into phones.
Yes, in most contexts, 'answering machine' is sufficient and commonly used to refer to the device.
Typically, connect it to your telephone line, plug in the power, record a greeting message, and set the number of rings before it answers.
Not entirely; they are still used in some homes and businesses, especially where digital alternatives are not preferred or available.