TV


Pronunciation

The IPA phonetic spelling for "TV" is /ˌtiːˈviː/.

  • /ˌtiː/

  • /ˈviː/


Word Form Variations

  • Noun: TV (singular), TVs (plural)

  • Adjective: TV (used attributively, e.g., "TV show," "TV remote") - no comparative/superlative forms.

  • Verb: (No direct verb form in common use. One might informally say "to TV" something in a very niche context meaning to show it on TV, but this is not standard.)



Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Noun

  • Definition 1: A television set; an electronic device with a screen for receiving and displaying broadcasting signals, used for watching programs and films.

    • Synonyms: television, telly (British informal), set, boob tube (slang, derogatory)

    • Antonyms: radio, stereo, computer (as contrasting entertainment devices)

  • Definition 2: The medium of television broadcasting itself; the content broadcast via television.

    • Synonyms: television, broadcasting, the small screen, programming

    • Antonyms: radio, film (cinema), print media (as contrasting media)

  • Definition 3: (Informal) A television program or show.

    • Synonyms: show, program, episode, broadcast

    • Antonyms: commercial, advertisement

Adjective

  • Definition 1: Of or relating to television; suitable for television. (Used attributively)

    • Synonyms: televisual, broadcast, televised, screen (attributive)

    • Antonyms: radio (attributive), print (attributive), live (if contrasting pre-recorded)


Examples of Use

Books:

  • "He spent his evenings in front of the TV, mindlessly flipping through channels, a habit he couldn't break." (Fictional example from a contemporary novel about modern life)

  • "The book analyzes the profound cultural impact of TV on American society from the mid-20th century onwards." (From a non-fiction book on media studies or social history)

  • "Her dream was to one day see her name scroll across the credits of a major TV show." (Fictional example from a novel about aspiring artists)

Newspapers:

  • "Local electronics stores are reporting a surge in sales of smart TVs ahead of the World Cup." ("Business Daily Africa,")

  • "The new TV drama, filmed entirely in Kenya, is receiving rave reviews from critics." ("Daily Nation,’’)

  • "Parents are advised to monitor the amount of TV their children watch daily to ensure healthy development." ("The Standard,")

Online Publications:

  • "Our top picks for the best 4K TVs under Ksh 100,000 in Kenya." (An article on a tech review website, e.g., TechArena.co.ke)

  • "How to cut the cord: Ditching cable TV for streaming services." (An article on a tech or lifestyle blog, e.g., CNET)

  • "The rise of reality TV: Why are we so fascinated by unscripted drama?" (A feature article on a cultural commentary website, e.g., The Conversation)

Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:

  • Film: "There's no place like home." (The Wizard of Oz, 1939) - Often said while clicking heels, a scene frequently shown on "TV" during holidays.

  • Television Series: "Tonight on 'Crime Beat,' a new TV special delves into the cold case of the missing diamonds." (A commercial break announcement)

  • Song Lyrics: "I get home, I turn on the TV, I watch the news." (From a pop or rock song about daily routine)

  • Video Games: "Your character can interact with the TV in the living room to watch in-game shows." (In-game feature, e.g., The Sims)

  • Podcasts: "In this episode, we're discussing the impact of social media on traditional TV viewership." (A podcast on media trends, e.g., The Media Show)

General Public Discourse:

  • "Did you watch that new TV show last night? It was amazing!" (A common question among friends)

  • "My TV remote ran out of batteries." (A common complaint)

  • "What's on TV tonight?" (A common question about programming)

  • "I rarely watch TV anymore; I prefer streaming." (A personal preference statement)

  • "The kids are spending too much time in front of the TV." (A common parental concern)

  • "We just bought a brand new smart TV." (A casual statement about a purchase)



10 Quotes Using TV

  1. "I get home, I turn on the TV, I watch the news." (Common song lyric/colloquialism)

  2. "Parents are advised to limit their children's TV time." (Common advice from child development experts, widely known)

  3. "If it's on TV, it must be true." (Common ironic phrase, widely used)

  4. "Too much TV rots the brain." (Common parental warning, widely known)

  5. "I believe in a world where children read books, not just watch TV." (Lesser-known, but common sentiment among educators)

  6. "My old man used to say, 'Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get.'" (Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump in Forrest Gump, 1994) - While not using "TV," this movie has been shown countless times on TV, making the quote famous through that medium.

  7. "What's on TV tonight?" (Common everyday question, highly recognizable)

  8. "My favorite TV show is starting in five minutes." (Common relatable statement)

  9. "You are what you watch." (Often used in discussions about media influence on TV viewership)

  10. "The best thing on TV is usually a good book." (Unknown, widely shared humorous take)


Etymology

The word "TV" is a very straightforward and relatively modern word, as it's an abbreviation of "television."

So, its etymology comes directly from the two parts of "television":

  • "Tele-": This is a Greek prefix (from tēle), meaning "far off" or "at a distance."

  • "-vision": This comes from the Latin word visio, meaning "the act of seeing" or "sight."

When combined, "television" literally means "seeing at a distance." This reflects the technology's ability to transmit images from one place to another.

The full word "television" was first coined in English in the early 20th century (around 1907), referring to the theoretical or early experimental technology.

The shorter form "TV" came into common use a bit later, around the 1930s (specifically 1930), as television broadcasting began to become a reality and the general public needed a quicker, more informal way to refer to the new device and medium. So, "TV" simply means "television," and its initial meaning was the "electronic apparatus for seeing at a distance" or the "broadcasting medium itself."



Phrases + Idioms Containing TV

Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "TV":

  • To watch TV: To view television programs.

  • On TV: Being broadcast on television.

  • Big-screen TV: A television set with a large display.

  • Smart TV: A television with integrated internet connectivity and interactive features.

  • TV dinner: A prepackaged, frozen meal designed to be heated and eaten, traditionally while watching television.

  • TV Guide: (Historical/Brand) A publication listing television schedules and program information.

  • TV series: A succession of related television programs.

  • TV remote: A remote control for operating a television.

  • The boob tube: (Informal, derogatory) A television set, implying that it makes viewers unintelligent.

  • Couch potato: (Informal) A person who spends a lot of time sitting on a couch, usually watching TV. (Relates to excessive TV watching).

  • To be glued to the TV: To be watching television intently for a long period.

  • Breaking news: Information about an event that is currently happening and being reported. (Often delivered on TV).

  • The small screen: (Figurative) Television, as opposed to the cinema ("the big screen").

  • A talking head: (Informal, often derogatory) A person appearing on TV who talks directly to the camera, often without visual aids or action.

  • To go viral: To become extremely popular very quickly, especially on social media. (Often originates from or is amplified by TV).


Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA


Source Information

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


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