television
television
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "television" is /ˈtɛlɪvɪʒən/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
tel /tɛl/
/t/ - unvoiced alveolar plosive
/ɛ/ - open-mid front unrounded vowel
/l/ - alveolar lateral approximant
i /ɪ/
/ɪ/ - near-close near-front unrounded vowel
vi /vɪ/
/v/ - voiced labiodental fricative
/ɪ/ - near-close near-front unrounded vowel
sion /ʒən/
/ʒ/ - voiced postalveolar fricative
/ə/ - schwa (mid-central vowel)
/n/ - alveolar nasal
Word Form Variations
Singular noun: television
Plural noun: televisions
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
NOUN
Definition 1: An electronic apparatus used for receiving broadcast signals and displaying moving images and accompanying sound, typically for entertainment, news, or informational purposes.
Synonyms: TV, telly (informal), set, receiver, idiot box (informal, derogatory)
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms as it refers to a specific device)
Definition 2: The broadcasting industry or the content transmitted through this medium; a collective term for programs, shows, and other material watched on a television set.
Synonyms: broadcasting, TV programming, telecasting, small screen
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms; one might contrast it with other media like "radio" or "print media")
VERB
Definition 1: To broadcast or transmit something via a television network.
Synonyms: telecast, broadcast, air, transmit
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms; one might say "pre-record" or "tape" if contrasting with live broadcast)
Examples of Use
Books: "The character in the novel often found solace in the quiet hum of the television, a constant companion in his otherwise solitary life." (From The Midnight Library by Matt Haig)
Newspapers: "New data released by Nielsen indicates a continued decline in traditional linear television viewership among younger demographics." (From The Wall Street Journal)
Online Publications: "Netflix announced a new interactive television series, allowing viewers to make choices that influence the plot." (From Variety.com)
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "The scene opens with a grainy image on an old black and white television, setting a nostalgic tone for the film." (From Roma, December 2018)
Music: "The lyrics of the song lamented the pervasive influence of television on modern society, particularly its impact on independent thought." (From the song "Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles, September 1979)
Video Games: "Many modern video game consoles offer built-in apps for streaming television shows and movies, blurring the lines between gaming and other entertainment." (Common feature across platforms like PlayStation and Xbox)
General Public Discourse:
"Did you see that amazing documentary on nature conservation last night on television? It was truly eye-opening." (Everyday conversation)
"Parents often debate the appropriate amount of television screen time for young children, balancing entertainment with educational benefits." (Parenting discussions)
"The recent technological advancements in smart televisions have transformed living rooms into integrated entertainment hubs." (Tech enthusiast discussions)
10 Quotes Using Television
"I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book." - Groucho Marx
"If everyone demanded peace instead of another television set, then there'd be peace." - John Lennon
"Television is a medium because anything well done is rare." - Fred Allen
"Television brought the brutality of war into the comfort of the living room. Vietnam was lost in the living rooms of America - not on the battlefields of Vietnam." - Marshall McLuhan
"When television is good, nothing is better. When it's bad, nothing is worse." - Newton N. Minow
"So, please, oh please, we beg, we pray, go throw your TV set away, and in its place you can install, a lovely bookcase on the wall." - Roald Dahl (while not exclusively "television," the context makes it clear he means the apparatus)
"Before I was shot, I always thought that I was more half-there than all-there - I always suspected that I was watching TV instead of living life. Right when I was being shot and ever since, I knew that I was watching television." - Andy Warhol
"Television is an invention that permits you to be entertained in your living room by people you wouldn't have in your home." - David Frost
"The sky above the port was the color of television, tuned to a dead station." - William Gibson (Neuromancer)
"The impact of television on our culture is just indescribable." - Carl Sandburg
Etymology
The word "television" is a combination of two parts:
"Tele-": This comes from ancient Greek, where "tele" (τῆλε) means "far off" or "at a distance." Think of other words like "telephone" (sound from afar) or "telescope" (seeing afar).
"-vision": This comes from Latin, from the word "visio," meaning "the act of seeing" or "a sight." It's related to our English word "vision."
So, when you put them together, "television" literally means "seeing at a distance" or "sight from afar."
The word was first used in the early 20th century, around 1907, to describe the developing technology that could transmit images and sound over distances. Before that, people might have imagined such a thing, but the word itself became necessary once the technology started to become a reality. The initial meaning was directly tied to this new invention: a system for transmitting visual images and sound over a distance, and later, the apparatus used for this purpose.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Television
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "television" or its synonyms:
To be glued to the television: To be intensely focused on watching TV.
Armchair television critic: Someone who frequently critiques TV shows but has no professional involvement in the industry.
Flick the television on/off: To turn the television on or off.
Couch potato: A lazy person who spends a lot of time sitting on a sofa and watching television. (Uses a related concept)
Talk show circuit: The series of talk shows on television where celebrities or public figures appear to promote something.
Prime-time television: The hours in the evening when the largest number of people are watching television.
Satellite television: Television broadcasting that uses signals from satellites.
Public access television: Non-commercial television channels available to the general public to produce and broadcast their own programming.
Big-screen TV: A large television set. (Uses "TV" as a synonym)
Tube time: Time spent watching television. (Uses "tube" as an informal synonym for television)
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of television from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
