television
A1Neutral
Definition
Meaning
A system for transmitting visual images and sound that are reproduced on screens, chiefly used to broadcast programs for entertainment, news, and education.
The activity, profession, or medium of broadcasting such programs; a device (a television set) used to receive and display these broadcasts.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun. Can refer to the technology/medium, the industry, a specific program, or the physical device. Metonymically used for content and broadcasting companies.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'telly' is a very common informal synonym; in the US, 'TV' is predominant in casual speech. The verb 'to televise' is equally used in both varieties.
Connotations
In both, can imply passivity or mindless entertainment ('boob tube' in US, 'goggle box' in UK). 'Television' as a medium is sometimes contrasted with newer digital streaming.
Frequency
'TV' is more frequent in spoken American English. In formal writing, 'television' is standard in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
watch + televisionbe + on + televisionappear + on + televisiontelevise + [event]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Turn the television into a fireplace.”
- “Couch potato.”
- “As seen on TV.”
- “Armchair critic.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The television advertising market remains lucrative.
Academic
The study analysed the effects of television on cognitive development in children.
Everyday
What's on television tonight?
Technical
The signal is broadcast via digital terrestrial television.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The match will be televised on BBC One.
- They've chosen not to televise the ceremony.
American English
- The game will be televised on Fox.
- The network decided to televise the hearing live.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard; used in compounds like 'television-broadcast') The event was broadcast television-live across the nation.
American English
- (Not standard; used in compounds) It was a television-exclusive interview.
adjective
British English
- She's a well-known television presenter.
- The television licence fee is controversial.
American English
- He's a famous television actor.
- The television commercial was very effective.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I watch television every evening.
- There is a television in the living room.
- Children like cartoons on television.
- We bought a new flat-screen television last week.
- This programme is broadcast on television and online.
- He appeared on television to talk about his new book.
- The rise of streaming services has fundamentally changed the television industry.
- The documentary was critically acclaimed but had low television ratings.
- She made a successful transition from theatre to television.
- The panel discussed the dumbing down of primetime television programming.
- His research focuses on the representation of gender in post-war American television.
- The event was televised globally, reaching an estimated audience of two billion.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
TELE (far) + VISION (sight) = seeing things from far away.
Conceptual Metaphor
Television is a window (on the world). / Television is a babysitter.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- The word 'телевизор' in Russian refers only to the physical device (TV set), not the medium. Use 'телевидение' for the medium/broadcasting.
Common Mistakes
- I watch a television. (Incorrect) -> I watch television. / I watch TV.
- He works in the television. (Unnatural) -> He works in television. / He works on television.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most common informal term for 'television' in British English?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when referring to a physical device: 'We have two televisions in the house.' When referring to the medium or activity, use it uncountably: 'I don't watch much television.'
'On television' refers to something being broadcast: 'My favourite show is on television tonight.' 'On the television' refers to the physical location of an object: 'The cat is sitting on the television.'
The related verb is 'televise'. 'Television' itself is not used as a verb. Correct: 'They will televise the concert.' Incorrect: 'They will television the concert.'
In most academic contexts, it is preferable to use the full form 'television'. 'TV' is acceptable in informal writing or when discussing it as a cultural term.
Collections
Part of a collection
Technology Basics
A2 · 48 words · Everyday technology and digital devices.
Media and Communication
B1 · 50 words · Language for discussing media and communication.