phone message
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A piece of information or communication that is left for someone using a telephone system, typically when the intended recipient is unavailable to answer the call.
Usage
A "phone message" is the recorded or written information passed from a caller to a recipient via a telephone. It is the core content of the communication, not the act of leaving it or the technology used. * You take a phone message for someone. * You leave a phone message on an answering machine or with a person. * You listen to or read a phone message. * You return a call based on a phone message.
Examples
- Noun:
- I left a detailed phone message with your assistant about the meeting time change.
- There are three new phone messages on the voicemail system.
- Did you get my phone message yesterday?
Advanced Usage
- "To screen calls/messages": To check who is calling or the content of a message before deciding to answer or respond.
- I let the machine pick up so I can screen my phone messages.
Variants and Related Words
- Voicemail (n): An electronic system for recording and storing telephone messages, or a message left on such a system. (Often used interchangeably with "phone message" in modern contexts, though "voicemail" specifically implies a digital recording.)
- She sent the instructions via voicemail.
- Answering machine (n): A physical device that answers calls and records messages.
- Missed call (n): An instance where a call was received but not answered, which may or may not include a left message.
- Callback (n): A return telephone call, often prompted by a message.
Synonyms
- Telephone message: A more formal equivalent.
- Voicemail: A common modern synonym, especially for digitally recorded messages.
- Call note: A less common term, sometimes used in business contexts for a written record of a call.
Related Phrases
- Take a message: To write down or record a phone message for someone else.
- He's not available. Can I take a message?
- Leave a message: To record or dictate information for someone who is not available on the phone.
- Please leave a message after the tone.
- Get back to someone: To return someone's call, often in response to their message.
- I got your phone message and will get back to you this afternoon.
Noun
- a message transmitted by telephone