Dictionary monolingual
English
Dial
ˈdaɪ(ə)l
Common
~ 4200
~ 4200
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Dial -
to adjust or operate a dial
Example: She dialed the radio to her favorite station.
Usage: informalContext: everyday situations
Note: Commonly used with electronic devices like radios, televisions, and phones.
to make a phone call by pressing the numbers on a telephone dial
Example: I need to dial my mom to tell her I'll be late.
Usage: informalContext: casual conversations
Note: Refers to the action of calling someone on the phone.
a numbered disk or plate on a device used to select settings or make adjustments
Example: Turn the dial to adjust the temperature of the oven.
Usage: formalContext: technical or mechanical discussions
Note: Commonly found on devices like thermostats, ovens, washing machines, etc.
Dial's synonyms
turn
To move or rotate something in a circular direction.
Example: Please turn the dial to adjust the volume.
Note: Similar in meaning to 'dial' but focuses more on the action of rotating.
knob
A round handle that can be turned to control something.
Example: Use the knob to change the temperature on the oven.
Note: A knob is a specific type of dial that is often used for adjusting settings or controls.
control
A mechanism for regulating or managing something.
Example: Adjust the temperature using the control on the panel.
Note: While 'dial' refers to the physical component that is turned, 'control' emphasizes the function of regulating or managing.
indicator
A device or part of a device that shows the state or level of something.
Example: The indicator on the dashboard shows the fuel level.
Note: An indicator may display information rather than being used for adjusting settings like a dial.
Dial expressions, common phrases
Dial in
To adjust or fine-tune something to be accurate or precise.
Example: Make sure to dial in your presentation before the meeting.
Note: The original word 'dial' refers to a disk or plate with numbers or other information for setting or adjusting something, while 'dial in' focuses on fine-tuning or adjusting to achieve the desired outcome.
Dial up
To increase or raise something, usually referring to intensity or level.
Example: I need to dial up the volume on the TV so we can hear better.
Note: While 'dial' refers to setting or adjusting, 'dial up' specifically means increasing or raising the level or intensity of something.
Dial back
To reduce or decrease something, usually referring to intensity or level.
Example: Let's dial back the expenses for this project to stay within budget.
Note: Contrary to 'dial up,' 'dial back' focuses on reducing or decreasing the level or intensity of something.
Speed dial
A feature on phones that allows you to quickly call a specific number with just one press.
Example: I have my mom's number on speed dial for emergencies.
Note: The original word 'dial' refers to the rotating disk with numbers, while 'speed dial' is a technological feature that provides quick access to saved numbers.
Dial into
To connect to a network or system, usually through a phone or computer.
Example: Make sure to dial into the conference call at the scheduled time.
Note: While 'dial' refers to physically setting or adjusting something, 'dial into' means connecting to a network or system, often remotely, through electronic means.
Dial down
To reduce the intensity or level of something, typically sound or emotions.
Example: Can you dial down the music? It's too loud.
Note: Similar to 'dial back,' 'dial down' focuses on decreasing the intensity or level, specifically referring to sound or emotions.
Dial everyday (slang) expressions
Dial it up
To increase or intensify something, such as energy, effort, or emotions.
Example: Please dial up the enthusiasm for the presentation.
Note: This slang phrase uses 'dial' metaphorically to suggest increasing something rather than adjusting a physical dial.
Dial it down
To reduce the intensity or level of something, typically emotions, behavior, or volume.
Example: Hey, can you dial it down a bit? You're being too loud.
Note: Similar to 'dial up,' this phrase uses 'dial' metaphorically in the context of decreasing rather than increasing.
Dial a friend
To call or contact someone, especially a friend, for communication or help.
Example: I'm feeling down, so I'm going to dial a friend for a chat.
Note: Relates to using a phone to reach out to someone, but 'dial a friend' is more informal and emphasizes reaching out for emotional support.
Dial it in
To perform or execute something exceptionally well or with great focus.
Example: He really dialed it in with his performance at the talent show.
Note: This slang term suggests performing something exceptionally rather than just adjusting or setting precisely.
Dial down the drama
To lessen or decrease the amount of intense or unnecessary emotion or conflict in a situation.
Example: Can we please dial down the drama in this situation?
Note: Similar to 'dial it down,' this phrase is used to reduce emotional intensity or conflict rather than adjust a physical dial.
Dial up the charm
To increase or enhance one's charm, charisma, or likability in a social or professional context.
Example: She really knew how to dial up the charm to win over the clients.
Note: Utilizes 'dial up' metaphorically to indicate enhancing a personal quality rather than adjusting a dial.
Dial - Examples
I dialed the number on the phone.
The safe has a combination dial.
She adjusted the dial on the radio to find her favorite station.
Dial grammar
Dial - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: dial
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): dials
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): dial
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): dialed, dialled
Verb, past participle (Verb, past participle): dialled
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): dialing, dialling
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): dials
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): dial
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): dial
Syllables, Separation and Stress
dial Contains 2 syllables: di • al
Phonetic transcription: ˈdī(-ə)l
di al , ˈdī( ə)l (The red syllable is stressed)
Dial - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
dial: ~ 4200 (Common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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