mobile phone

mobile phone

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Pronunciation

Mobile phone

• /ˈmoʊbəl foʊn/

• Mo-: /ˈmoʊ/ - The "mo" sound as in "mow."

• -bile: /bəl/ - The "bull" sound as in "bullseye."

• phone: /foʊn/ - The "fone" sound as in "tone."

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Word Form Variations

The term "mobile phone" is a compound noun. Its variations are primarily in number:

• Singular: mobile phone

• Plural: mobile phones

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Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Noun

Mobile phone

1. A portable electronic device used for telecommunications, allowing for voice calls, text messaging, and often providing internet access, multimedia functions, and various applications.

• Synonyms: cellphone, cell, smartphone, handphone (Southeast Asia), wireless (dated)

• Antonyms: landline, fixed-line telephone

2. (Figurative, informal) A constant companion or an essential tool for modern life, often implying a strong dependence on the device.

• Synonyms: digital leash, personal assistant, lifeline

• Antonyms: burden, distraction (depending on context)

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Examples of Use

Books:

• "She fumbled in her purse for her mobile phone, desperate to call for help, but the signal was non-existent in the remote valley." (From a contemporary thriller, author's name omitted for brevity)

• "The proliferation of mobile phones in developing countries has revolutionized access to information and financial services, bypassing traditional infrastructure." (From an academic text on technology and development)

Newspapers:

• "Police are urging the public to remain vigilant after a spate of mobile phone thefts in the city center." ( The Daily Herald)

• "The government announced new regulations aimed at curbing excessive mobile phone use in schools during instructional hours." ( The National Post)

Online Publications:

• "Our latest review compares the camera performance of the newest flagship mobile phones on the market." (TechRadar.com)

• "Experts warn against the dangers of phishing scams targeting users through their mobile phones." (CybersecurityToday.org)

Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:

• Film: In the opening scene of the action film Escape Plan, the protagonist meticulously disassembles his mobile phone to avoid tracking. (Movie release)

• Television Series: "Did you see that? He just used his mobile phone to hack into the building's security system!" (From a popular crime drama episode)

• Music Lyrics: "My love, my life, my mobile phone, you're always there, I'm never alone." (From a pop song, artist name omitted)

• Video Games: Many modern video games, such as Grand Theft Auto V, feature in-game mobile phones that characters use for various functions like calling contacts, accessing missions, and Browse fictional internet sites. (Game release)

General Public Discourse:

• "Can you believe how much time teenagers spend on their mobile phones these days?" (Conversation overheard in a café)

• "I accidentally left my mobile phone on the bus, and I'm completely lost without it!" (Common complaint among commuters)

• "Parents often grapple with setting boundaries for their children's mobile phone usage." (Panel discussion on family dynamics)

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10 Quotes Using Mobile phone

1. "The mobile phone is the most popular device on the planet (1.7 billion users) about one quarter of the world's population...and counting." (Daily Dose With Dr. Shermaine)

2. "It used to be only the President had a mobile phone. Now everyone on earth, even if they have nothing else, they have a cell phone." (Padgett Powell, Interview with Royal Young)

3. "Our mobile phones have become the greatest spy on the planet." (John McAfee, BrainyQuote)

4. "If I were queen for a day, every city would have to spend one hour in utter silence: no music in shops and restaurants, no honking of horns, no conversations on mobile phones." (Ann Widdecombe, BrainyQuote)

5. "There's a natural set of constraints with mobile phones that force you to be a better photographer by acknowledging and observing the world around you." (Kevin Systrom, BrainyQuote)

6. "Of course mobile phones are always kept out of the room during Cabinet meetings, for security reasons. But to keep a politician from his or her mobile for a whole day is a use of power which almost amounts to torture." (Damian Green, BrainyQuote)

7. "It used to be that we imagined that our mobile phones would be for us to talk to each other. Now, our mobile phones are there to talk to us." (Sherry Turkle, BrainyQuote)

8. "When I was growing up, he always had the latest thing: cine-cameras, VHS players, enormous mobile phones." (Edith Bowman, BrainyQuote)

9. "Mobile is our communications hub, our source of media consumption, car keys, our credit card, our calendar. The future of SMS relies on customer communication. Having the highest reach, SMS will be the most powerful tool for businesses to engage with customers." (Triin Linamagi, Textmagic- Note: This quote uses "mobile" in a broader sense but includes "mobile phone" in the surrounding context of the full article.)

10. "I suddenly realized I was getting ten opening notes a day on my mobile phone, more than when I was in New York." (Ai Weiwei, Interview with Claudine Ko)

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Etymology

The term "mobile phone" is a combination of two older words: "mobile" and "phone."

• "Mobile" comes from the Latin word mobilis, meaning "movable" or "easy to move." This word has been in English since the late 15th century, used to describe anything that isn't fixed or stationary.

• "Phone" is a shortened, informal version of "telephone," which was coined in the 19th century. "Telephone" itself comes from the Greek words tele (meaning "far") and phōnē (meaning "voice" or "sound"). So, a "telephone" literally means "far sound" or "voice from afar."

When these two words were put together to form "mobile phone," it was to describe a telephone that could be moved around. The first known use of the exact term "mobile phone" was in 1945, appearing in the Wall Street Journal. At that time, these devices weren't the small, handheld gadgets we know today. They were actually radio-telephones primarily installed in vehicles, like cars, because they were large and needed a lot of power. So, the initial meaning highlighted their ability to provide telephone communication while in motion, even if that motion was confined to a car.

Over time, as technology advanced and these devices became smaller and more personal, the meaning of "mobile phone" evolved to refer to the truly portable, handheld devices we use every day, especially those connected through a cellular network.

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Phrases + Idioms Containing Mobile phone

1. On one's mobile phone: Actively using the device for calls, texts, or internet.

2. Glued to one's mobile phone: Spending an excessive amount of time using the device.

3. Mobile phone etiquette: The unwritten rules about appropriate use of a mobile phone in social situations.

4. Mobile phone addiction: A compulsive need to use one's mobile phone, often to the detriment of other activities.

5. Mobile phone detox: Taking a break from using a mobile phone, usually to reduce screen time.

6. A cell phone zombie: Someone walking while completely engrossed in their phone, oblivious to their surroundings. (Using synonym "cell phone")

7. Digital leash: Refers to a mobile phone, implying constant connection or being "tied" to it.

8. His mobile phone is practically a part of his hand: Describes someone who constantly holds or uses their phone.

9. Live life off the mobile phone: To experience things directly without constantly documenting or viewing them through a phone.

10. A lifeline (referring to a mobile phone): When the phone is seen as crucial for safety, communication, or emergencies.

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Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA

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Source Information

Definition of mobile phone from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.

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