telegraphic

IPA/ˌtelɪˈɡræfɪk/
IPA/ˌtelɪˈɡræfɪk/

telegraphic — adjective

  • telegraphicpositive
  • more telegraphiccomparative
  • most telegraphicsuperlative

1. Connected with the historical system of sending written communications as electr

1.形容詞B2
釋義

Connected with the historical system of sending written communications as electrical pulses along wires, or with the messages themselves sent through this system.

例句

The historian studied old telegraphic records of ship arrivals at the port.

attributive: telegraphic records

Engineers laid telegraphic cables across the ocean floor during the 1800s.

文法句型

telegraphic + noun

用法筆記

Commonly used before a noun in historical or technical contexts. This relational sense does not have comparative or superlative forms.

常見錯誤

❌They communicated using a telegraphic device called a smartphone.
✅They communicated using a telegraphic device called a Morse telegraph.
💡'telegraphic' refers to the 19th-century telegraph system, not modern electronic communication.
❌The cable is more telegraphic than the older one.
✅The cable is part of the telegraphic system.
💡This sense of 'telegraphic' describes a category, not a degree, so comparatives are not used.

2. Expressing an idea in very few words, in the short and direct manner typical of

2.形容詞C1
釋義

Expressing an idea in very few words, in the short and direct manner typical of old telegram messages.

例句

The manager sent a telegraphic reply of just two words: 'Proceed immediately.'

telegraphic reply [collocation] for an extremely short written answer

The writer's telegraphic style drops articles and pronouns to create a faster pace.

telegraphic style [collocation] for abbreviated writing

同義詞
  • concise

    The most neutral synonym; 'telegraphic' specifically suggests the abbreviated, article-dropping style of telegrams.

  • terse

    Suggests a sharper, more abrupt brevity than 'telegraphic', which can imply a factual tone.

  • succinct

    Emphasises clarity achieved through brevity, whereas 'telegraphic' sometimes sacrifices clarity for speed.

反義詞
  • verbose

    Using far more words than needed — the opposite of the telegram style.

  • wordy

    Contains extra, unnecessary words that a telegraphic style would omit.

文法句型

telegraphic + noun

be + telegraphic

用法筆記

Can be used before a noun ('a telegraphic style') or after a linking verb ('his writing was telegraphic'). The comparative form 'more telegraphic' is acceptable in this sense.

常見錯誤

❌The instructions were telegraphic — they covered every possible situation.
✅The instructions were telegraphic
💡very short and leaving out many words.' — 'telegraphic' means brief and abbreviated, not thorough or detailed.