call back

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The phrase "call back" is a verb that has a few different meanings, but generally, it involves the idea of returning to a previous state or position, or making a return phone call. Let's break it down for you:

Basic Meanings:

1. To Summon to Return: This means to ask someone to return to a place. For example, if someone is recalled to their country, it means they have been asked to come back home.

   • Example: "The ambassador was called back to his country."

2. To Return a Phone Call: This is when someone asks you to call them again later, or you return a call you missed.

   • Example: "I am busy right now—can you call back in an hour?"
   • Another Example: "She left a message, but the contractor never called back."

3. To Recall Knowledge from Memory: This meaning relates to remembering something.

   • Example: "I can't remember saying any such thing."

4. To Cause to be Returned: This can refer to a situation where something is recalled, like a product that has a defect.

   • Example: "The manufacturer tried to call back the defective auto tires."

Usage Instructions:

• Use "call back" when you want to refer to returning a phone call or when someone is asked to return to a previous location or role.
• You can also use it when discussing memories or recalling something.

Advanced Usage:

In professional settings, you might hear "call back" used in the context of hiring or job applications, where a company may "call back" candidates for further interviews.

Word Variants:

• Recalled: This is the past tense of "call back" when talking about summoning someone to return.
• Calling back: This is the present participle form, often used in ongoing situations.

Different Meanings:

• Recall: While "call back" can mean to return something, "recall" often refers to the act of retrieving something from memory or asking for something to be returned due to a defect.

Synonyms:

• Return: This can work in the context of returning a phone call.
• Summon back: This can be used when referring to asking someone to return.
• Remember: When discussing recalling knowledge or memories.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Call someone back: This is a specific use of "call back," meaning to return a phone call to someone.
  • Example: "I will call you back after my meeting."
• Call to mind: This is another way to express the act of remembering something.

Academic

Verb

1. summon to return
   • The ambassador was recalled to his country
   • The company called back many of the workers it had laid off during the recession
2. return or repeat a telephone call
   • I am busy right now--can you call back in an hour?
   • She left a message but the contractor never called back
3. recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection
   • I can't remember saying any such thing
   • I can't think what her last name was
   • can you remember her phone number?
   • Do you remember that he once loved you?
   • call up memories
4. cause to be returned
   • recall the defective auto tires
   • The manufacturer tried to call back the spoilt yoghurt

Synonyms

• recall
• remember
• retrieve
• call up
• recollect
• think
• call in
• withdraw