answering machine

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Word: Answering Machine

Definition: An answering machine is a device that answers telephone calls when you are not able to pick up the phone. It records messages from callers so that you can listen to them later.

Usage Instructions:

• You use an answering machine when you want to know what messages people left for you while you were unavailable.
• When someone calls you and you do not answer, the answering machine will take the call and ask the caller to leave a message.

Example:

• "I was out shopping when the phone rang, but my answering machine recorded a message from my friend."

Advanced Usage:

• In modern times, many people use voicemail on their smartphones instead of a physical answering machine. However, the concept is the same: it allows you to receive messages when you cannot answer the phone.

Word Variants:

• Answering service: A business that answers calls for people or companies and takes messages.
• Voicemail: A digital version of an answering machine, often used in mobile phones.

Different Meaning:

• The term "answering" can be used separately as a verb, meaning to respond to a question or call. For example, "I am answering the phone."

Synonyms:

• Message recorder
• Voice mailbox (for digital systems)
• Call recorder

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There aren’t specific idioms related to "answering machine," but you might hear the phrase "leave a message after the beep," which means to record your message after a sound indicating the recording has started.

Summary:

An answering machine is a useful tool for recording messages when you are unavailable to take calls.

Academic

Noun

1. an electronic device that answers the telephone and records messages