What does telephonically mean?
Telephonically means “by telephone” or “using telephone communication.” It describes the manner in which an action, conversation, exchange, or arrangement takes place: a witness may testify telephonically, or two parties may confirm an agreement telephonically. The word is more formal and specialized than the everyday phrase “by phone,” and it often appears in legal, academic, business, and administrative writing. Its ending “-ically” turns the related concept of telephones or telephone communication into an adverb of manner. Although the basic meaning is straightforward, the word can be useful when the precise method of communication matters or when distinguishing telephone communication from communication in person or in writing. In most contemporary usage, it is not regional to either British or American English.
adverbIn a manner that involves or is conducted by telephone; by telephone.
- By means of a telephone; in a manner involving telephone communication.
"The two offices telephonically confirmed the agreement before publishing it."
"The witness gave a telephonically recorded statement to investigators."
"The parties reached the agreement telephonically rather than in writing."
Telephonically captures how a simple change of ending turns a telephone device into a way of communicating.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does telephonically come from?
Telephonically is derived from telephone, which combines Greek tēle, meaning “far” or “distant,” with phōnē, meaning “sound” or “voice.” The compound telephone became established during the nineteenth century as the technology of transmitting speech over distances developed. The adverbial suffix “-ically” was added to form a word meaning “in a manner involving a telephone.” Its related forms include telephone, telephonic, and telephonist.
How telephonically is actually used
Telephonically is somewhat formal and technical compared with the more everyday expressions “by telephone” or “by phone.” It is especially common in legal, academic, and administrative contexts.
Easily confused with telephonically
Telephone is a noun naming the device or service, whereas telephonically is an adverb describing something done by telephone.
Telephonic is normally an adjective describing something related to or involving a telephone, while telephonically describes the manner of doing something.