call

English translation unavailable for call.

call

US /kɑːl/ 
UK /kɔːl/ 

a decision

Persian equivalent: 
Example: 

It was a  tough call, but eventually I decided to give up my job.

Usage: 

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

call 2 S1 W1 noun

1 telephone [ countable ] when you speak to someone on the telephone call for

Were there any phone calls for me while I was out?

call from

I received a call from an old friend last week.

It’s cheaper to make calls after 6 pm.

I’ll give you a call at the weekend.

2 be on call if someone such as a doctor or engineer is on call, they are ready to go and help whenever they are needed as part of their job :

Don’t worry, there’s a doctor on call 24 hours a day.

3 shout/cry [ countable ] a) a loud sound that a bird or animal makes SYN cry call of

the call of an owl

b) a shout that you make to get someone’s attention

4 visit [ countable ] a visit, especially for a particular reason :

Sorry, Doctor Pugh is out on a call at the moment.

pay/make a call (on somebody) (= visit someone )

5 request/order [ countable ] a request or order for something or for someone to do something :

Members obediently answered the calls for funds.

call for somebody to do something

There have been calls for the secretary to resign.

a call to arms (= an order for people to fight against an enemy )

6 decision a) [ countable ] the decision made by a referee in a sports game make a good/bad call

There may have been a few bad calls, but they’re making them for a reason.

b) [ singular ] informal a decision :

Don’t just say what you think I would like. It’s your call .

make a call (= decide something )

an easy/hard call (= an easy or difficult decision )

judgement call (= a decision based on your personal judgement of a situation )

7 there isn’t much call for something used for saying that not many people want a particular thing :

There isn’t much call for black and white televisions these days.

8 there is no call for something spoken used to tell someone that their behaviour is wrong and unnecessary :

There’s no call for that kind of language!

9 at an airport [ countable ] a message announced at an airport that a particular plane will soon leave :

This is the last call for flight BA872 to Moscow.

10 have first call on something

a) to have the right to be the first person to use something

b) to be the first person that you will help because they are important to you :

Her children had first call on her time.

11 the call of something literary the power that a place or way of life has to attract someone :

the call of the sea

12 the call of nature a need to urinate (= pass liquid from your body ) – used especially humorously

→ be at sb’s beck and call at beck ( 1 ) , → port of call , roll-call , wake-up call

COLLOCATIONS

verbs

make a call He made a few calls and then went out.

give somebody a call (= phone someone ) I’ll give him a call later today.

get/have a call ( also receive a call formal ) At 11 in the evening we got a call from the police.

there is/was a call There was a phone call for you.

answer a call We’re sorry that we cannot answer your call right now.

take a call (= answer one ) Monica took the call upstairs.

return sb’s call (= call someone after they have tried to call you ) I left a message for her but she didn’t return my call.

expect a call She’s expecting a phone call from Matt.

transfer a call (= connect one to another person’s phone ) The call was transferred to his secretary.

put through a call (= transfer or make one ) She asked the switchboard to put the call through.

ADJECTIVES/NOUN + call

a phone/telephone call I had a phone call from Barbara in Australia.

a quick call This is just a quick call to make sure you’re OK.

a local call Local calls are free at weekends.

a long-distance call I’d like to make a long-distance call.

an international call

a collect call American English (= one paid for by the person who receives it ) Can I make a collect call to Florida, please?

incoming/outgoing calls (= coming into or going out of a place ) You have to dial 9 first to make an outgoing call.

an emergency call (= to the police, fire service, or ambulance service ) The police normally respond immediately to an emergency call.

a hoax call (= one intended to trick someone ) They received a hoax call warning of a bomb in the building.

an anonymous call (= in which the caller does not give their name ) The £10,000 demand was made in an anonymous call to his home.

a crank call (= made by someone you do not know, as a joke or to annoy you ) The heavy breathing sounded like a crank call.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

call / kɔːl /   / kɑːl / noun [ C ] informal (DECISION)

a decision:

It was a tough call , but eventually I decided to give up my job.

More investment? That's got to be your call - you're the one that's paying!

© Cambridge University Press 2013

call

US /kɑːl/ 
UK /kɔːl/ 

to use a particular name or title for someone

Persian equivalent: 
Example: 

The teacher called the students' names one by one.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

CALL

CALL /kɔːl $ kɒːl/ noun [uncountable]
  (computer-assisted language learning) the use of computers to help people learn foreign languages
 

 

x

call

 

I.   verb

I. call1 S1 W1 /kɔːl $ kɒːl/ verb
 [Date: 1100-1200; Language: Old Norse; Origin: kalla]
 
 1. TELEPHONE  [intransitive and transitive] to telephone someone:
   • She calls her father every couple of days.
   • I’ll call you soon.
   • What time did Tony call?
  call a doctor/the police/a cab etc (=telephone someone and ask them to come to you)
   • I think we should call a doctor.
   • I’m gonna call the cops!
   ► Do not say ‘call to someone’. Say call someone.
 2. DESCRIBE  [transitive] to use a word or name to describe someone or something in a particular way
  call somebody something
   • Are you calling me a liar?
   • You may call it harmless fun, but I call it pornography.
  call somebody names (=use insulting names for someone)
   • The other kids used to call me names, but I tried to ignore them.
 3. HAVE A NAME  [transitive] to have a particular name or title, or use a particular name or title for someone or something
  be called something
   • Our son is called Matthew.
   • The arrow that appears on the screen is called a cursor.
  call somebody something
   • My name’s Virginia, but my friends call me Ginny.
   • Do you want to be called Miss or Ms?
  call somebody by something
   • I prefer to be called by my middle name.
 4. GIVE SOMEBODY/SOMETHING A NAME  [transitive] especially British English to give someone or something the name they will be known by in the future SYN name American English:
   • What are you going to call the new puppy?
  call somebody something
   • They’ve decided to call the baby Louise.
 5. ASK/ORDER BY SPEAKING  [transitive] to ask or order someone to come to you
  call somebody into/over/across etc
   • Peter called the waitress over and ordered a large brandy.
   • Marcie was called up to the principal’s office.
 6. ARRANGE  [transitive] to arrange for something to happen at a particular time
  call a meeting/strike/election etc
   • The Security Council has called an emergency session to discuss the crisis.
   • According to the law, the election must be called within the next two months.
 7. SAY/SHOUT  [intransitive and transitive] to say or shout something loudly so that someone can hear you:
   • I heard someone calling in the distance.
   • ‘I’m coming!’ she called down the stairs.
   • Sheila was just sneaking out when her mother called her.
   • She heard him call her name.
 8. call yourself something to say that you are a particular type of person, although you do nothing to show this is true:
   • How could Julian call himself a friend and then let me down so badly?
 9. call the shots/tune informal to be in a position of authority so that you can give orders and make decisions:
   • It was a job in which she was able to call the shots.
 10. call it a day informal to decide to stop working, especially because you have done enough or you are tired:
   • Come on, let’s call it a day and go home.
 11. call collect American English to make a telephone call that is paid for by the person who receives it SYN reverse the charges British English
 12. READ NAMES  [transitive] (also call out) to read names or numbers in a loud voice in order to get someone’s attention:
   • When I call your name, go and stand in line.
 13. COURT  [transitive usually passive] to tell someone that they must come to a law court or official committee
  call somebody to do something
   • They were called to give evidence at the trial.
 14. call (something) into question to make people uncertain about whether something is right, good, or true:
   • I feel that my competence is being called into question here.
 15. be/feel called to do something to feel strongly that you should do something:
   • He felt called to write to all his fellow investors, warning them of the impending crisis.
 16. call somebody/something to order formal to tell people to obey the rules of a formal meeting
 17. VISIT  [intransitive] (also call round British English) to stop at a house or other place for a short time to see someone or do something:
   • She called round for a chat.
  call on somebody
   • Let’s call on James on the way home.
  call (in) at something
   • I regularly called in at his office for news.
  call into something
   • People often call into the library while they’re out shopping.
 18. call it £10/two hours etc spoken used to suggest a general figure rather than a more specific one, especially in order to make things simpler:
   • ‘I owe you £10.20.’ ‘Oh, call it £10!’
 19. call it a draw if two opponents in a game call it a draw, they agree that neither of them has won ⇨ call it quits at quits(2)
 20. call it/things even spoken use this to say that someone who owes you something does not have to give you anything more than they have already given you
 21. call (sb’s) attention to
   a) to ask people to pay attention to a particular subject or problem:
   • May I call your attention to item seven on the agenda?
   b) to make someone notice someone or something:
   • I wanted to shout out to Ken, but I didn’t want to call attention to myself.
 22. call something to mind
   a) to remind you of something:
   • Don’t those two call to mind the days when we were courting?
   b) to remember something:
   • I couldn’t call to mind where I’d seen him before.
 23. call a huddle American English informal to make people come together to talk about something
 24. call time (on somebody/something) to say that it is time for something to finish or stop
 25. TRAINS/SHIPS  [intransitive] if a train, ship, bus etc calls at a place, it stops there for a short time SYN stop:
   • This train calls at all stations to Broxbourne.
 26. COIN  [intransitive and transitive] to guess which side of a coin will land upwards when it is thrown in the air, in order to decide who will play first in a game:
   • It’s your turn to call.
 27. CARD GAME  [intransitive and transitive] to risk the same amount of money as the player who plays before you in a poker game
  ⇨ so-called, ⇨ call sb’s bluff at bluff2(2), ⇨ too close to call at close2(8)
 

COLLOCATIONS(for call for somebody/something Meaning 1)■ call for + NOUN

   ▪ call for an end to somethingDemonstrators have called for an end to the fighting.
   ▪ call for sb’s resignationOpposition parties called for the President’s resignation.
   ▪ call for actionThe European Parliament have called for action on age discrimination.
   ▪ call for a banFrench farmers have called for a ban on imports.
   ▪ call for a boycottIn 1980 he called for a boycott of the Olympic Games.
   ▪ call for a changeScientists are calling for a change in the law.
   ▪ call for an inquiry/investigationRelatives have called for an inquiry into the causes of the plane crash.
   ▪ call for a return to somethingThe Prime Minister called for a return to traditional Labour values.
   ▪ call for reformThe Church has called for reform of the law.
   ▪ call for the abolition of somethingHuman Rights groups have called for the abolition of the death penalty.
   ▪ call for a ceasefire (=for an end to a war)The United Nations called for an immediate ceasefire.
 

THESAURUS

   ▪ phone to speak to someone by telephone. Phone is more common in British English than American English: • I’ll phone you tomorrow.
   ▪ call to phone someone. Call is used in both British and American English: • One of the neighbors called the police. | • Call me later.
   ▪ ring British English spoken to phone someone. Ring is more informal than phone or call: • I can ring her at the office tomorrow.
   ▪ give somebody a call (also give somebody a ring) spoken to phone someone: • If you ever come to Seattle, give me a call. | • I’ll give the hospital a ring and see how he is.
   ▪ telephone formal to phone someone: • Angry listeners telephoned the BBC to complain.
   ▪ Skype /skaɪp/ trademark to make a telephone call using special software that allows you to make calls over the Internet: • I Skyped her last night and we spoke for hours.
 call back phrasal verb
  1. call (somebody) back to telephone someone again, for example because they were not at home when you telephoned last time:
   • I’ll call back later.
   • Can you ask John to call me back when he gets in?
  2. British English to return to a place you went to earlier:
   • You could call back to collect her at noon.
 call by phrasal verb
   to stop and visit someone when you are near the place where they live or work:
   • I thought I’d call by and see how you were.
 call down something phrasal verb
   formal to ask for someone, especially a god, to make something unpleasant happen to someone or something
  call down something on/upon
   • He called down vengeance on them.
 call for somebody/something phrasal verb
  1. if a group of people call for something, they ask publicly for something to be done:
   • Human Rights groups are calling for the release of political prisoners.
  2. to need or deserve a particular type of behaviour or treatment:
   • Dealing with children who are so damaged calls for immense tact and sensitivity.
   • That kind of abuse is really not called for (=it is unnecessary and unwelcome). ⇨ uncalled for
  3. British English to meet someone at their home in order to take them somewhere:
   • I’ll call for you at eight o'clock.
  4. American English to say that a particular kind of weather is likely to happen SYN predict:
   • The forecast calls for more rain.
 call something ↔ forth phrasal verb
   formal to produce a particular reaction:
   • Great works of classical music can often call forth a mixture of responses from the listener.
 call in phrasal verb
  1. call somebody/something ↔ in to ask someone to come and help you with a difficult situation:
   • The government then called in troops to deal with the disturbances.
  2. to telephone somewhere, especially the place where you work, to tell them where you are, what you are doing etc:
   • Rachael called in sick (=telephoned to say she was too ill to come to work).
  3. to telephone a radio or television show to give your opinion or to ask a question:
   • Over 2,000 viewers called in with complaints about the bad language used in the programme.
  4. call in a loan/debt to officially tell someone to pay back money you lent them:
   • The bank can call in the loan at any time.
  5. British English to visit a person or place while you are on your way to somewhere else
  call in on/at
   • Could you call in on Mum on your way home?
 call somebody/something ↔ off phrasal verb
  1. to decide that a planned event will not take place SYN cancel:
   • The trip to Italy might be called off.
  2. to officially decide that something should be stopped after it has already started:
   • Rescuers had to call off the search because of worsening weather conditions.
  3. to order an animal or person to stop attacking or threatening someone:
   • Call your dog off.
 call on/upon somebody/something phrasal verb
  1. to formally ask someone to do something
  call on somebody to do something
   • The UN has called on both sides to observe the ceasefire.
  2. to visit someone for a short time:
   • Why don’t you call on my sister when you’re in Brighton?
 call out phrasal verb
  1. to say something loudly
  call something ↔ out
   • ‘Hi there!’ I called out.
  call out to
   • The firemen called out to him.
  2. call somebody ↔ out to ask or order a person or an organization to help, especially in a difficult or dangerous situation:
   • The army was called out to help fight fires.
  3. call somebody/something ↔ out British English to order workers to go on strike:
   • The transport workers were called out.
 call up phrasal verb
  1. especially American English informal to telephone someone
  call somebody ↔ up
   • He called me up to tell me about it.
   • I’m going to call up and cancel my subscription.
  2. call something ↔ up if you call up information on a computer, you make the computer show it to you:
   • I called up their website, but it didn’t have the information I was looking for.
  3. call somebody ↔ up British English to officially order someone to join the army, navy, or air force SYN draft American English:
   • I was called up three months after war broke out.
  4. call somebody ↔ up to choose someone for a national sports team ⇨ call-up:
   • Hurst was called up for the game against Mexico.
  5. call something ↔ up to produce something or make it appear:
   • She can call up the spirits of the dead.

II.   noun

II. call2 S1 W1 noun
 1. TELEPHONE  [countable] when you speak to someone on the telephone
  call for
   • Were there any phone calls for me while I was out?
  call from
   • I received a call from an old friend last week.
   • It’s cheaper to make calls after 6 pm.
   • I’ll give you a call at the weekend.
 2. be on call if someone such as a doctor or engineer is on call, they are ready to go and help whenever they are needed as part of their job:
   • Don’t worry, there’s a doctor on call 24 hours a day.
 3. SHOUT/CRY  [countable]
   a) a loud sound that a bird or animal makes SYN cry
  call of
   • the call of an owl
   b) a shout that you make to get someone’s attention
 4. VISIT  [countable] a visit, especially for a particular reason:
   • Sorry, Doctor Pugh is out on a call at the moment.
  pay/make a call (on somebody) (=visit someone)
 5. REQUEST/ORDER  [countable] a request or order for something or for someone to do something:
   • Members obediently answered the calls for funds.
  call for somebody to do something
   • There have been calls for the secretary to resign.
  a call to arms (=an order for people to fight against an enemy)
 6. DECISION 
   a) [countable] the decision made by a referee in a sports game
  make a good/bad call
   • There may have been a few bad calls, but they’re making them for a reason.
   b) [singular] informal a decision:
   • Don’t just say what you think I would like. It’s your call.
  make a call (=decide something)
  an easy/hard call (=an easy or difficult decision)
  judgement call (=a decision based on your personal judgement of a situation)
 7. there isn’t much call for something used for saying that not many people want a particular thing:
   • There isn’t much call for black and white televisions these days.
 8. there is no call for something spoken used to tell someone that their behaviour is wrong and unnecessary:
   • There’s no call for that kind of language!
 9. AT AN AIRPORT  [countable] a message announced at an airport that a particular plane will soon leave:
   • This is the last call for flight BA872 to Moscow.
 10. have first call on something
   a) to have the right to be the first person to use something
   b) to be the first person that you will help because they are important to you:
   • Her children had first call on her time.
 11. the call of something literary the power that a place or way of life has to attract someone:
   • the call of the sea
 12. the call of nature a need to urinate (=pass liquid from your body) – used especially humorously
  ⇨ be at sb’s beck and call at beck(1), ⇨ port of call, roll-call, wake-up call
 

COLLOCATIONS■ verbs

   ▪ make a callHe made a few calls and then went out.
   ▪ give somebody a call (=phone someone)I’ll give him a call later today.
   ▪ get/have a call (also receive a call formal) • At 11 in the evening we got a call from the police.
   ▪ there is/was a callThere was a phone call for you.
   ▪ answer a callWe’re sorry that we cannot answer your call right now.
   ▪ take a call (=answer one)Monica took the call upstairs.
   ▪ return sb’s call (=call someone after they have tried to call you)I left a message for her but she didn’t return my call.
   ▪ expect a callShe’s expecting a phone call from Matt.
   ▪ transfer a call (=connect one to another person’s phone)The call was transferred to his secretary.
   ▪ put through a call (=transfer or make one)She asked the switchboard to put the call through.

■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + call

   ▪ a phone/telephone callI had a phone call from Barbara in Australia.
   ▪ a quick callThis is just a quick call to make sure you’re OK.
   ▪ a local call Local calls are free at weekends.
   ▪ a long-distance callI’d like to make a long-distance call.
   ▪ an international call
   ▪ a collect call American English (=one paid for by the person who receives it)Can I make a collect call to Florida, please?
   ▪ incoming/outgoing calls (=coming into or going out of a place)You have to dial 9 first to make an outgoing call.
   ▪ an emergency call (=to the police, fire service, or ambulance service)The police normally respond immediately to an emergency call.
   ▪ a hoax call (=one intended to trick someone)They received a hoax call warning of a bomb in the building.
   ▪ an anonymous call (=in which the caller does not give their name)The £10,000 demand was made in an anonymous call to his home.
   ▪ a crank call (=made by someone you do not know, as a joke or to annoy you)The heavy breathing sounded like a crank call.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

CALL

CALL f0 [CALL]   [kɔːl] Click to play   [kɔːl] Click to play abbreviation

 

computer assisted language learning

compare  CAL

 

x

call

 

call [call calls called calling] verb, noun   [kɔːl]    [kɔːl]

 

verb  

 

 

GIVE NAME

 

1. transitive to give sb/sth a particular name; to use a particular name or title when you are talking to sb

~ sb/sth + noun They decided to call the baby Mark.

• His name's Hiroshi but everyone calls him Hiro.

• What do they call that new fabric?

~ sb They called their first daughter after her grandmother.

• We call each other by our first names here.

see also  called  

 

 

DESCRIBE

 

2. transitive to describe sb/sth in a particular way; to consider sb/sth to be sth

~ sb/sth + noun I wouldn't call German an easy language.

• Are you calling me a liar?

• He was in the front room, or the lounge or whatever you want to call it.

• I make it ten pounds forty-three you owe me. Let's call it ten pounds.

~ sb/sth + adj. Would you call it blue or green?

3. transitive ~ yourself + noun to claim that you are a particular type of person, especially when other people question whether this is true

• Call yourself a friend? So why won't you help me, then?

• She's no right to call herself a feminist.  

 

 

SHOUT

 

4. intransitive, transitive to shout or say sth loudly to attract sb's attention

• I thought I heard somebody calling.

~ (out) to sb (for sth) She called out to her father for help.

~ (sth) out He called out a warning from the kitchen.

~ sth Did somebody call my name?

+ speech ‘See you later!’ she called.

5. transitive, intransitive ~ (sb) to ask sb to come by shouting or speaking loudly

• Will you call the kids in for lunch?

• Did you call?  

 

 

TELEPHONE

 

6. transitive to ask sb/sth to come quickly to a particular place by telephoning

~ sb/sth to call the fire department/the police/a doctor/an ambulance

• The doctor has been called to an urgent case.

• I'll call a taxi for you.

~ sb sth I'll call you a taxi.

7. intransitive, transitive to telephone sb

• I'll call again later.

~ sb/sth I called the office to tell them I'd be late.

• My brother called me from Spain last night.  

 

 

ORDER SB TO COME

8. transitive, usually passive + adv./prep. (formal) to order sb to come to a place

• Several candidates were called for a second interview.

• The ambassador was called back to London by the prime minister.

• He felt called to the priesthood (= had a strong feeling that he must become a priest).  

 

VISIT

 

9. intransitive (especially BrE) to make a short visit to a person or place

• I'll call round and see you on my way home.

~ on sb Let's call on John.

~ to do sth He was out when I called to see him.  

 

MEETING/STRIKE, ETC.

 

10. transitive ~ sth to order sth to happen; to announce that sth will happen

• to call a meeting/an election/a strike  

 

 

OF BIRD/ANIMAL

 

11. intransitive to make the cry that is typical for it  

 

 

IN GAMES

 

12. transitive, intransitive ~ (sth) to say which side of a coin you think will face upwards after it is thrown

• to call heads/tails  

 

 

IN DANCES

 

13. intransitive, transitive ~ (sth) to shout out the steps for people performing a square dance or country dance 

more at (be/get called) on the carpet at  carpet  n., bring/call sb/sth to mind at  mind  n., he who pays the piper calls the tune at  pay  v., the pot calling the kettle black at  pot  n., what-d'you-call-him/-her/-it/-them at  what 

 

Word Origin:

late Old English ceallian, from Old Norse kalla ‘summon loudly’.

 

Thesaurus:

call verb

1. T

• They decided to call the baby Mark.

name • • entitle • • dub • • nickname • • christen • • address • |formal term • • designate • |sometimes disapproving label • • brand

call/name/dub/nickname/christen sb Mary, Ali, etc.

call/dub/nickname sb captain, the wizard, etc.

call/address sb by their full name, their first name, etc.

address/designate/label/brand sb/sth as sth

2. T

• I wouldn't call German an easy language.

describe • • consider • • regard • • see • • view • • count

describe/consider/regard/see/view/count sb/sth as sth

call/describe/consider/regard/see/view/count/reckon yourself (as) sth

Call or describe? Call is used with a noun or adjective complement, without as. Describe is used with as and an adjective or a noun phrase. Adjectives are more frequent with describe than nouns: longer noun phrase are possible, but with shorter noun phrases use call:

• Jim was described by his colleagues as an unusual man.

• Are you calling me a liar?

 ¤ Are you describing me as a liar?

3. I, T

• He called out for help.

cry out (sth) • • shout • • yell • • scream • |written exclaim • • cry

call/cry out/shout/yell/scream/exclaim/cry (sth) to sb

call/cry out/shout/yell/scream for sb/sth

4. T, I

• My sister called me from Spain last night.

dial • |especially AmE, informal call sb up • |especially BrE, formal telephone • |BrE, especially spoken ring • • phone

call/telephone/ring/phone from somewhere

call/dial/telephone/ring/phone a number/a hotline/the switchboard/reception

call/telephone/ring/phone the doctor/fire brigade/police/hospital

Call, ring or phone? Call is the only one of these three words used in American English. Ring and phone are the most frequent words in spoken British English, but call is preferred in an emergency

• Call the police/fire brigade.

You call/ring/phone a person, place or institution; you call a cab/a taxi/an ambulance.

5. T

• He called a meeting to discuss the changes.

hold • • have • • give • • host • |formal convene

call/hold/have/give/host/convene a conference

call/hold/have/convene a meeting

call/hold/have an election

 

British/American:

phone / call / ring

Verbs

In BrE, to phone, to ring and to call are the usual ways of saying to telephone. In NAmE the most common word is call, but phone is also used. Speakers of NAmE do not say ring. Telephone is very formal and is used mainly in BrE.Nouns

You can use call or phone call (more formal) in both BrE and NAmE: Were there any phone calls for me? ◊ How do I make a local call? The idiom give sb a call is also common: I’ll give you a call tonight. In informal BrE you could also say: I’ll give you a ring tonight.

 

Synonyms:

call

cry out • exclaim • blurt • burst out

These words all mean to shout or say sth loudly or suddenly.

call • to shout or say sth loudly to attract sb's attention: I thought I heard someone calling.

cry out (sth) • to shout sth loudly, especially when you need help or are in trouble: She cried out for help. ◊ I cried out his name.

exclaim • to say sth suddenly and loudly, especially because of a strong emotion: ‘It isn't fair!’ he exclaimed angrily.

blurt • to say sth suddenly and without thinking carefully enough: He blurted out the answer without thinking.

burst out • to say sth suddenly and loudly, especially with a lot of emotion: ‘He's a bully!’ the little boy burst out.

to call/cry out/exclaim/blurt out (sth) to sb

to call/cry out for sth

to cry out/exclaim/blurt out/burst out in/with sth

to call/cry out/exclaim/blurt out/burst out suddenly

to call/cry out/exclaim/burst out loudly

 

Synonyms:

regard

call • find • consider • see • view

These words all mean to think about sb/sth in a particular way.

regard • to think of sb/sth in a particular way: He seemed to regard the whole thing as a joke.

call • to say that sb/sth has particular qualities or characteristics: I wouldn't call German an easy language.

find • to have a particular feeling or opinion about sth: You may find your illness hard to accept.

consider • to think of sb/sth in a particular way: Who do you consider (to be) responsible for the accident?

regard or consider?

These two words have the same meaning, but they are used in different patterns and structures. In this meaning consider must be used with a complement or clause: you can consider sb/sth to be sth or consider sb/sth as sth, although very often the to be or as is left out: He considers himself an expert. ◊ They are considered a high-risk group. You can also consider that sb/sth is sth and again, the that can be left out. Regard is used in a narrower range of structures. The most frequent structure is regard sb/sth as sth; the as cannot be left out: I regard him a close friend. You cannot regard sb/sth to be sth or regard that sb/sth is sth. However, regard (but not consider in this meaning) can also be used without a noun or adjective complement but with just an object and adverb (sb/sth is highly regarded) or adverbial phrase (regard sb/sth with suspicion/jealousy/admiration).

see • to have an opinion of sth: Try to see things from her point of view.

view • to think of sb/sth in a particular way: How do you view your position within the company?

View has the same meaning as regard and consider but is slightly less frequent and slightly less formal. The main structures are view sb/sth as sb/sth (you cannot leave out the as) and view sb/sth with sth.

to regard/consider/see/view sb/sth as sth

to regard/consider/see/view sb/sth from a particular point of view

to find/consider sb/sth to be sth

generally/usually regarded/considered/seen/viewed as sth

to regard/consider/view sb/sth favourably/unfavourably

 

Example Bank:

• Buenos Aires is often called the Paris of South America.

• Call us free/toll-free on this number.

• He called for help, but no one could hear.

• He is writing a novel, tentatively called ‘My Future’.

• His friends affectionately call him ‘Bear’.

• I'll call back later.

• Leave a message and I'll call you back.

• She called out in pain.

• The area was formerly called West Meadow.

• The prison is euphemistically called a ‘rehabilitation centre’.

• The system is officially called the NPV System.

• We usually call him by his nickname.

• You could hardly call the show perfect, but it was successful.

• You should call ahead to make sure that seats are available.

• a character whom the writer calls simply ‘The Girl’

• a female penguin calling to her mate

• a plant variously called ‘cow parsley’ and ‘Queen Anne's lace’

• a range of very small organisms, collectively called nanoplankton

• a tree variously called ‘rowan’ and ‘mountain ash’

• soldiers killed by what is euphemistically called ‘friendly fire’

• ‘Don't forget what I said!’ she called after him.

• Could you call by later today?

• Has anyone called the police?

• He called out a warning to her.

• He was in the front room, or the lounge, or whatever you want to call it.

• His name's Hiroshi but everyone calls him Hiro.

• I called round at the house to check how things were.

• I called the office to tell them I'd be late.

• I don't know anyone called Scott.

• I make it ten pounds forty-three you owe me. Let's call it ten pounds.

• I started to leave but they called me back again.

• I thought I heard someone calling.

• I wouldn't call German an easy language.

• I've forgotten what the firm he works for is called.

• My brother called me from Germany last night.

• She said she was very lonely and it was kind of them to call on her.

• The cuckoo called across the trees to its mate.

• The drivers were going to call a strike.

• The principal called a staff meeting to discuss the changes.

• We called but they were out.

• What's it called again? Yeah, that's right. A modem.

• What's their son called?

Idioms: call a spade a spade  call it a day  call it quits  call of nature  call somebody names  call somebody to account  call somebody to order  call somebody's bluff  call something into play  call something into question  call the tune  call time  have first call  on call

Derived: call at …  call back  call for somebody  call for something  call in  call on somebody  call somebody away  call somebody back  call somebody in  call somebody off  call somebody out  call somebody up  call something forth  call something in  call something off  call something up 

 

noun  

 

 

ON TELEPHONE

 

1. countable (also ˈphone call) the act of speaking to sb on the telephone

• to get/have/receive a call from sb

• to give sb/to make a call

• Were there any calls for me while I was out?

• I'll take (= answer) the call upstairs.

• I left a message but he didn't return my call.

• a local call

• a long-distance call

see also  wake-up call  

 

 

LOUD SOUND

 

2. countable a loud sound made by a bird or an animal, or by a person to attract attention

• the distinctive call of the cuckoo

• a call for help  

 

 

VISIT

 

3. countable a short visit to sb's house

• The doctor has five calls to make this morning.

• (old-fashioned) to pay a call on an old friend  

 

 

REQUEST/DEMAND

 

4. countable ~ (for sth) a request, an order or a demand for sb to do sth or to go somewhere

• calls for the minister to resign

• calls for national unity

• This is the last call for passengers travelling on British Airways flight 199 to Rome.

• (formal) a call to arms (= a strong request to fight in the army, etc.)

see also  curtain call

5. uncountable no ~ for sth | no ~ (for sb) to do sth no demand for sth; no reason for sb's behaviour

• There isn't a lot of call for small specialist shops nowadays.

6. countable ~ on sb/sth a demand or pressure placed on sb/sth

• She is a busy woman with many calls on her time.  

 

 

OF A PLACE

 

7. singular ~ (of sth) (literary) a strong feeling of attraction that a particular place has for you

• the call of the sea/your homeland  

 

 

TO A PARTICULAR JOB

 

8. singular ~ (to do sth) a strong feeling that you want to do sth, especially a particular job

• He felt the call of the priesthood early on in his life.  

 

 

DECISION

 

9. countable (informal) a decision

• It's your call!

• a good/bad call

• That's a tough call.  

 

 

IN TENNIS

 

10. countable a decision made by the umpire

• There was a disputed call in the second set.  

 

 

IN CARD GAMES

 

11. countable a player's bid or turn to bid 

more at at sb's beck and call at  beck, a close call/shave at  close2 adj.

 

Word Origin:

late Old English ceallian, from Old Norse kalla ‘summon loudly’.

 

British/American:

phone / call / ring

Verbs

In BrE, to phone, to ring and to call are the usual ways of saying to telephone. In NAmE the most common word is call, but phone is also used. Speakers of NAmE do not say ring. Telephone is very formal and is used mainly in BrE.Nouns

You can use call or phone call (more formal) in both BrE and NAmE: Were there any phone calls for me? ◊ How do I make a local call? The idiom give sb a call is also common: I’ll give you a call tonight. In informal BrE you could also say: I’ll give you a ring tonight.

 

Example Bank:

• Ask the receptionist to put your call through to my room.

• Campaigners have renewed their call for an independent inquiry.

• Could you get off the phone? I'm expecting a call.

• Drink-drive campaigners have renewed their call for the introduction of random breath tests.

• Give us a call to say when you have arrived.

• He pushed the call button for the flight attendant.

• He received an urgent call and had to leave.

• He spent the whole day fielding calls from concerned parents.

• Her first call was on the local library.

• I ended the call as quickly as possible.

• I left a message but he didn't return my call.

• I made a call to a friend in London.

• I ordered a wake-up call for 6.30 the next morning.

• I'll just make a quick phone call.

• I'll take the call upstairs.

• It is unlikely that they will heed calls for a crackdown.

• Last night's defeat should be a wake-up call for the team.

• Our first port of call was the bank.

• She asked her secretary to place a call through to England.

• She made a frantic phone call to her mother.

• She placed an anonymous call to the Dutch Embassy in Dublin.

• She was out and missed an important call.

• She's out on a call.

• The book is a call to action.

• The charity issued a call for donations to assist victims of the earthquake.

• The doctor does not usually make house calls.

• The doctor has several calls to make this morning.

• The government has resisted the calls of the international community.

• The mosque was sounding the call to prayer.

• The police managed to trace the call.

• The president's speech was a call to arms to restore the vitality of the American dream.

• The screen display said ‘8 missed calls’.

• This election is a clarion call for our country to face the challenges of the new era.

• This is the last call for PAM flight 199 to Salvador.

• This is the last call for passengers travelling on British Airways flight 199 to Rome.

• We always make follow-up calls to ensure customer satisfaction.

• We're not supposed to make personal calls from work.

• When he went to Ethiopia, his first call was on the ambassador.

• You had a call from Fred.

• the bird's plaintive call

• the morning call to prayer

• Calls for national unity were ignored.

• He decided to pay a call on his old friend.

• I received an unexpected call from the police yesterday.

• I'm afraid this isn't a social call.

• The call of the barn owl is often described as a screech or scream.

• The doctor's out on a call at the moment.

• There have been calls for the minister to resign.

• a local/long distance call

See also: phone call

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

call

 

call (DECIDE ON) /kɔːl/ US /kɑːl/
verb [T]
to decide officially to have a particular event or take particular action:
The managing director has called a meeting to discuss pay levels.
The papers are predicting that the Prime Minister will call an election in the spring.
It's reckoned that the unions will call a strike if management will not agree to their demands.
They had to call a halt to (= end) the match because of the heavy rain.

 

call (CONSIDER) /kɔːl/ US /kɑːl/
verb [T + object + noun]
to consider someone or something to be:
He knows a lot of people, but only one or two that he'd call close friends.
One sandwich and a lettuce leaf - I don't call that a meal!
I'm not calling you a liar - I'm just suggesting that you misunderstood the facts of the situation.

 

call (ASK TO COME) /kɔːl/ US /kɑːl/
verb [I or T]
to ask someone to come to you:
She called me over to where she was sitting.
I keep the bedroom door open in case the children call (for) me in the night.
I was called to an emergency meeting this morning.
At school she was always being called into the headteacher's office.

 

call (SHOUT/CRY) /kɔːl/ US /kɑːl/
verb [I or T]
to say something in a loud voice, especially in order to attract someone's attention, or (of animals) to make a loud, high sound, especially to another animal:
Someone in the crowd called (out) his name.
Did you call?
[+ speech] "Hey, you! Come over here!" she called.
The blackbird called to its mate.

call /kɔːl/ US /kɑːl/
noun
1 [C] when an animal makes a sound or when someone shouts something:
The whale has a very distinctive call.
She could hear calls for help from inside the burning building.
I'll be in the next room, so give me a call if you need any help.

2 [U] when people want or need a particular thing:
There's not much call for fur coats these days.
FORMAL I certainly don't think there's any call for that sort of language, young lady!

3 [C] a demand for something to happen:
Management have so far ignored the union's calls for stricter safety regulations.

 

call (VISIT) /kɔːl/ US /kɑːl/
verb [I]
to visit someone, especially for a short time:
The electrician must have called (round) this morning when we were out - there's a note on the door mat.

call /kɔːl/ US /kɑːl/
noun [C]
a short, especially official visit, usually made by someone whose job is connected with health:
Doctor Seward is out on a call this morning.
The nurse has got a few calls to make this afternoon.
SLIGHTLY OLD-FASHIONED I thought I'd pay a call on (= visit) an old friend of mine this weekend.

caller /ˈkɔː.ləʳ/ US /ˈkɑː.lɚ/
noun [C]
a visitor

 

call (TELEPHONE) /kɔːl/ US /kɑːl/
verb [I or T]
to telephone someone:
He called (you) last night when you were out.
She called (me) this morning at the office and we had a brief chat.
I've been calling all morning but I can't get through.
Do you think we should call the police?

call /kɔːl/ US /kɑːl/
noun [C]
when you use the telephone:
I got a call from an old college friend last night.
If there are any calls for me, could you write them down next to the telephone?
I've just got a couple of calls to make.
That decorator you rang about painting the house - did he ever return your call?
The radio station received a lot of calls complaining about the show's bad language.
Before six o'clock, calls are charged at peak rate.

caller /ˈkɔː.ləʳ/ US /ˈkɑː.lɚ/
noun [C]
someone who makes a telephone call, especially a member of the public who telephones a radio or television programme while it is being broadcast:
I'd just like to comment on what your previous caller was saying.

 

call (NAME) /kɔːl/ US /kɑːl/
verb [T + object + noun]
to give someone or something a name, or to know or address someone by a particular name:
They've called the twins Katherine and Thomas.
What's that actor called that we saw in the film last night?
His real name is Jonathan, but they've always called him 'Johnny'.
What's her new novel called?
I wish he wouldn't keep calling me 'dear' - it's so patronising!

 

ring

 

ring (TELEPHONE) MAINLY UK (rang, rung) /rɪŋ/
verb [I or T] (US USUALLY call)
to make a telephone call to someone:
I ring home once a week to tell my parents I'm okay.
There's been an accident - can you ring for an ambulance?
The boss rang (in) to say he'll be back at 4.30.
UK I rang round the (= I called many) airlines to find out the cheapest price.
Why don't you ring (up) Simon and ask him to the party?

ring MAINLY UK /rɪŋ/
noun [S] (US USUALLY AND UK ALSO call)
when you make a telephone call to someone:
I'll give you a ring tomorrow.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

call

 

[kɔ͟ːl]
 
 calls, calling, called
 1) VERB If you call someone or something by a particular name or title, you give them that name or title.
  [V n n] I always wanted to call the dog Mufty for some reason...
  [V n n] `Doctor...' - `Will you please call me Sarah?'...
  [V n by n] Everybody called each other by their surnames.
  Derived words:
  called ADJ v-link ADJ Klein's most important work is called `Envy and Gratitude'... There are two men called Buckley at the Home Office. ...a device called an optical amplifier.
 2) VERB If you call someone or something a particular thing, you suggest they are that thing or describe them as that thing.
  [V n n] The speech was interrupted by members of the Conservative Party, who called him a traitor...
  [V n n] I wouldn't call it a burden; I call it a responsibility...
  [V n adj] She calls me lazy and selfish...
  [V it adj to-inf] He called it particularly cynical to begin the releases on Christmas Day...
  [V pron-refl n] Anyone can call themselves a psychotherapist.
 3) VERB If you call something, you say it in a loud voice, because you are trying to attract someone's attention.
  [V n] He could hear the others downstairs in different parts of the house calling his name...
  [V with quote] `Boys!' she called again.
 PHRASAL VERB
 Call out means the same as call. V P n (not pron) The butcher's son called out a greeting... Also V n P V P with quote The train stopped and a porter called out, `Middlesbrough!'
 4) VERB If you call someone, you telephone them.
  [V n] Would you call me as soon as you find out? My number's in the phone book...
  [V n] A friend of mine gave me this number to call...
  `May I speak with Mr Coyne, please?' - `May I ask who's calling?'
  Syn:
  telephone
 5) VERB If you call someone such as a doctor or the police, you ask them to come to you, usually by telephoning them.
  [V n] He screamed for his wife to call an ambulance...
  [be V-ed to-inf] One night he was called to see a woman with tuberculosis.
 6) VERB If you call someone, you ask them to come to you by shouting to them.
  [V n] She called her young son: `Here, Stephen, come and look at this!'...
  [V n prep] He called me over the Tannoy.
 7) N-COUNT When you make a telephone call, you telephone someone.
  I made a phone call to the United States to talk to a friend...
  I've had hundreds of calls from other victims...
  I got a call from him late yesterday evening.
 8) VERB If someone in authority calls something such as a meeting, rehearsal, or election, they arrange for it to take place at a particular time.
  [V n] The Committee decided to call a meeting of the All India Congress...
  [V n] The RSC was calling a press conference to announce its closure...
  [V n] The strike was called by the Lebanese Forces militia...
  [V n] A meeting has been called for Monday.
 9) VERB: usu passive If someone is called before a court or committee, they are ordered to appear there, usually to give evidence.
  [be V-ed to-inf] The child waited two hours before she was called to give evidence...
  [be V-ed prep] I was called as an expert witness. [Also be V-ed]
  Syn:
  summon
 10) VERB If you call somewhere, you make a short visit there.
  [V prep/adv] A market researcher called at the house where he was living...
  Andrew now came almost weekly to call.
 N-COUNT
 Call is also a noun. He decided to pay a call on Tommy Cummings.
 11) VERB When a train, bus, or ship calls somewhere, it stops there for a short time to allow people to get on or off.
  [V prep/adv] The steamer calls at several palm-fringed ports along the way.
 12) VERB To call a game or sporting event means to cancel it, for example because of rain or bad light. [AM]
  [be V-ed] The second game of the series had ended in a 3-3 tie after ten innings when the game was called on account of darkness...
  [V n] We called the next game.
  Syn:
  call off
 13) N-COUNT: usu N for n, N to-inf If there is a call for something, someone demands that it should happen.
  There have been calls for a new kind of security arrangement...
  Almost all workers heeded a call by the trade unions to stay at home for the duration of the strike.
 14) N-UNCOUNT: with brd-neg, N for n If there is little or no call for something, very few people want it to be done or provided.
  `Have you got just plain chocolate?' - `No, I'm afraid there's not much call for that.'
  Syn:
  demand
 15) N-SING: with poss The call of something such as a place is the way it attracts or interests you strongly.
  You must be feeling exhilarated by the call of the new.
  Syn:
  pull, lure
 16) N-COUNT The call of a particular bird or animal is the characteristic sound that it makes.
  ...the plaintive call of a whale.
  ...a wide range of animal noises and bird calls.
 17) → See also calling, so-called
 18) PHRASE: PHR after v, PHR n If you have first call on something, you will be asked before anyone else whether you want to buy or use it.
  Why should they get first call on the best property?
  Syn:
  first refusal on
 19) PHRASE: PHR n to-inf, PHR n (disapproval) If you say that there is no call for someone to behave in a particular way, you are criticizing their behaviour, usually because you think it is rude.
  There was no call for him to single you out from all the others.
  Syn:
  there is no need for
 20) PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR If someone is on call, they are ready to go to work at any time if they are needed, especially if there is an emergency.
  In theory I'm on call day and night.
  ...a doctor on call.
 21) PHRASE: V inflects If you call in sick, you telephone the place where you work to tell them you will not be coming to work because you are ill.
  `Shouldn't you be at work today?' - `I called in sick.'
 22) to call someone's bluffsee bluff
 to call it a daysee day
 to call a haltsee halt
 to call something to mindsee mind
 call of naturesee nature
 to call someone to ordersee order
 to call something your ownsee own
 to call something into questionsee question
 to call it quitssee quit
 to call a spade a spadesee spade
 to call the tunesee tune
 too close to callsee close II
  Phrasal Verbs:
  - call back
  - call for
  - call in
  - call off
  - call on
  - call upon
  - call out
  - call up
  - call upon

Names

  1. Do you like your name? What does it mean?
  2. Who chose your name? Why did they choose this name for you?
  3. If you wanted to change your name, what name would you choose?
  4. When you have children, what would you call them?
  5. Do you think a person's name can influence his/her life/ character? Give examples.
  6. What is the most common boy/girl's name in your country? Do you like to have a common name or a distinctive one?
  7. Do women change their name after marriage? What do you think about it?
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