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call someone
/kɔːl ˈsʌmwʌn/
to telephone or contact someone
She decided to call someone for help after getting lost.
She contacted someone by phone because she was lost.
informal
to telephone or contact someone
I need to call someone to fix the broken pipe.
I need to contact someone to repair the broken pipe.
He called someone to ask for directions.
He contacted someone to get directions.
This phrase is commonly used in everyday conversation to refer to making a phone call or reaching out to someone.
Collocations
call someone backto return a phone callcall someone upto make a phone call to someone
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Usage
This phrase is often used in everyday conversation to refer to making a phone call.
Gold Rule
Context Matters
The phrase 'call someone' can have different meanings depending on the context, such as making a phone call or summoning someone.
Word Origin
The verb 'call' comes from Old English 'ceallian,' meaning to shout or summon. The phrase 'call someone' has evolved to specifically mean making a phone call in modern usage.
Usage Notes
This phrase is commonly used in informal contexts to refer to making a phone call. It can also be used metaphorically to mean reaching out to someone for help or advice.
Word Breakdown
call
to telephone or summon
rootsomeone
an unspecified person
objectEnglish Dictionary