Telegraphic Meaning
/ˈtɛləˌɡraef/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
adjOf, or relating to the telegraph.
adjBrief or concise, especially resembling a telegram with clipped syntax.
Sentence Examples
The clerk made a quick and telegraphic report of the events.
Telegraphic means relating to or resembling the style of a telegram.
He sent a brief, telegraphic message to confirm his arrival.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
His ____ style of speaking uses very few words, like old telegrams.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
He received a brief and ____ message informing him that his application had been successfully accepted today.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *kʷelh₁-der. Ancient Greek τῆλε (têle)lbor. French télé- Proto-Indo-European *gerbʰ- Proto-Hellenic *grə́pʰō Ancient Greek γράφω (gráphō) Ancient Greek -γράφος (-gráphos)bor. Latin -graphuslbor. French -graphe French télégraphebor. English telegraph Proto-Indo-European *-ikos Proto-Italic *-ikos Latin -icuslbor. Old French -iquebor. Middle English -ik English -ic English telegraphic From telegraph + -ic.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"It turned out to be no more than the weekly Reuter’s telegram sent as an ordinary letter from the nearest telegraphic office fifty miles away."
— 1965, Chinua Achebe, Arrow of God, Penguin Classics (2010), page 182:
"Her conversation, I soon found, was couched in the telegraphic style. “Weeds grow like house afire. Can’t keep even with ’em. Shall press you in. Better be careful.”"
— 1920, Agatha Christie, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, London: Pan Books, published 1954, page 8:
"This section is based on […] I am presenting the facts in a telegraphic fashion; for the sources, discussion and disagreements see the five scholars I listed."
— 2021, David Golinkin, “What is the Origin and History of the Bar Mitzvah Ceremony”, in Anat Helman, editor, No Small Matter: Features of Jewish Childhood:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
His ____ style of speaking uses very few words, like old telegrams.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
He received a brief and ____ message informing him that his application had been successfully accepted today.