video call
A video call is a phone conversation where you can see the person you are talking to on a screen.
Explanation at your level:
A video call is a way to talk to people. You use your phone or computer. You see their face on the screen. It is very fun and easy to use!
When you make a video call, you see the person you are talking to. You need the internet for this. Many people use video calls to talk to their friends and family far away.
A video call is a digital conversation where participants see each other using cameras. It is very common for work meetings or catching up with friends. You can use apps like Zoom or Skype to make these calls.
The term 'video call' refers to the technology that enables real-time visual and audio communication. It has become an essential part of modern professional life, allowing for remote collaboration and global connectivity without the need for physical travel.
Video calling technology has revolutionized interpersonal communication, effectively shrinking geographical distances. In professional spheres, it is often referred to as 'videoconferencing,' though the term 'video call' remains the standard for informal, one-on-one interactions. Its ubiquity has shifted social norms regarding digital presence.
The emergence of the video call represents a paradigm shift in telecommunications, moving from purely auditory signals to a hybrid of visual and acoustic data. Historically, the dream of 'seeing' the person on the other end of a wire was a staple of science fiction, yet it is now an integrated component of human social architecture. Its usage spans from casual social interaction to high-stakes diplomatic and medical consultations, demonstrating its profound impact on global society.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A video call uses a camera and internet to show faces.
- It is a countable noun.
- We use 'on' a video call.
- It is essential for modern remote communication.
A video call is one of the most popular ways we stay connected today. Unlike a traditional voice-only phone call, a video call uses your device's camera and the internet to show you the person you are speaking with in real-time.
Think of it as a bridge across distance. Whether you are using a smartphone, tablet, or computer, this technology makes it feel like you are in the same room. It is a vital tool for remote work, keeping in touch with family, and even attending virtual classes.
The word video comes from the Latin videre, meaning 'to see.' When combined with call, which refers to the act of contacting someone via telecommunications, we get a term that perfectly describes modern face-to-face digital interaction.
Interestingly, the concept of a 'video phone' dates back to the early 20th century, but it wasn't until the rise of high-speed broadband internet in the 21st century that it became a household reality. From the early days of bulky prototypes to the sleek apps we use today, the evolution of the video call has fundamentally changed how humanity communicates.
You will hear people say 'I have a video call at noon' or 'Let's jump on a video call.' It is a very versatile term used in both casual and professional settings.
In a business context, it is often synonymous with virtual meeting or web conference. In casual settings, people might just say 'FaceTime' (which is a brand name) or 'video chat.' Regardless of the setting, the structure remains consistent: you 'make,' 'take,' or 'join' a call.
While 'video call' is a literal term, it is often used with common idioms. 1. Face-to-face: Used to describe the feeling of being together. 2. Jump on a call: To start a video meeting quickly. 3. On the line: Referring to someone currently participating in the call. 4. Screen time: The amount of time spent looking at devices during calls. 5. Virtual presence: The feeling of being 'there' even when miles away.
The word is a countable noun. You can have one 'video call' or many 'video calls.' It is often used with the verb 'to have' or 'to make.'
Pronunciation varies slightly between regions. In the UK, it is /ˌvɪd.i.əʊ ˈkɔːl/, and in the US, it is /ˌvɪd.i.oʊ ˈkɔːl/. The stress is usually on the first syllable of 'video' and the 'call' part gets a secondary stress.
Fun Fact
The word 'video' was originally a verb in Latin meaning 'I see'.
Pronunciation Guide
Clear 'vidi-oh' sound followed by 'call'.
Slightly more rounded 'oh' at the end of video.
Common Errors
- Mispronouncing 'video' as 'veed-yo'
- Dropping the 'l' sound in 'call'
- Incorrect stress on the second syllable of video
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Very easy to read.
Simple to use in sentences.
Commonly used in speech.
Easy to hear.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Articles with nouns
a video call
Prepositions of location
on a call
Countable nouns
two video calls
Examples by Level
I make a video call to my mom.
I / make / a / video call / to / my / mother.
Use 'make' for calls.
Can we have a video call?
Can / we / have / a / video call?
Requesting a call.
I see you on the video call.
I / see / you / on / the / video call.
Preposition 'on' for digital platforms.
The video call is fun.
The / video call / is / fun.
Simple subject-verb.
We use the phone for a video call.
We / use / the / phone / for / a / video call.
Purpose of the phone.
I like my video call.
I / like / my / video call.
Expressing preference.
Is the video call working?
Is / the / video call / working?
Present continuous question.
He is on a video call.
He / is / on / a / video call.
State of being.
I have a video call with my boss tomorrow.
She is busy on a video call.
My grandma learned how to use a video call.
We had a long video call last night.
Video calls are great for long-distance friends.
Please start the video call now.
I can see you clearly on this video call.
Do you prefer a phone call or a video call?
We usually schedule a weekly video call to discuss our progress.
The video call dropped because of a bad internet connection.
I find it easier to explain things during a video call.
Let's hop on a quick video call to finalize the details.
Video calls have become an indispensable tool for remote teams.
I missed your video call; can we try again later?
She looked tired after being on video calls all day.
The video call quality was excellent today.
The transition to remote work has made the video call a standard feature of office life.
We conducted the interview via a secure video call.
Despite the technical glitches, the video call was productive.
He prefers face-to-face meetings, but a video call is the next best thing.
Video calls can sometimes lead to digital fatigue.
I’ve invited everyone to the video call via the calendar link.
The video call allowed us to bridge the gap between our international offices.
Make sure your camera is on before you join the video call.
The proliferation of video call technology has fundamentally altered the landscape of modern corporate communication.
During the pandemic, the video call became the primary medium for both social and professional interaction.
While video calls offer convenience, some argue they lack the nuance of physical presence.
The executive team held a high-stakes video call to address the company's financial crisis.
I find that video calls require a higher level of cognitive engagement than standard phone conversations.
The seamless integration of video call features into our software has boosted user engagement.
She expertly managed the video call, ensuring all participants had a chance to speak.
The reliance on video calls has necessitated new protocols for digital etiquette.
The ubiquity of the video call has necessitated a re-evaluation of what constitutes 'presence' in a globalized society.
Critics contend that the relentless nature of the video call diminishes the quality of human connection.
The video call serves as a digital surrogate for physical proximity, yet it remains a pale imitation of human interaction.
In the realm of tele-medicine, the video call has proven to be a transformative tool for patient diagnostics.
The architecture of the modern video call is designed to minimize latency, yet the psychological distance remains palpable.
One must consider the cultural implications of the video call, as it invites others into our private domestic spaces.
The video call has effectively dismantled the traditional boundaries between the workplace and the home.
Despite the technological sophistication of the video call, technical failures remain an inevitable nuisance.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"jump on a call"
To start a meeting quickly.
Let's jump on a call and discuss this.
casual"face-to-face"
In person or seeing someone's face.
I prefer face-to-face conversations.
neutral"on the same page"
To agree or understand the same info.
Let's have a call to ensure we are on the same page.
neutral"touch base"
To make brief contact.
Let's touch base on a video call tomorrow.
casual"screen time"
Time spent looking at a screen.
I've had too much screen time today.
neutral"dial in"
To join a meeting via phone or video.
Please dial in by 9 AM.
formalEasily Confused
Both are calls.
Phone call has no video.
I made a phone call to hear his voice.
Both use video.
Webinar is one-way (presenter to audience).
The webinar was informative.
Both are meetings.
Conference call is usually audio-only.
We had a conference call with the team.
Both are video.
Videoconference is very formal/corporate.
The CEO joined the videoconference.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + have + a video call + with + person
I have a video call with my friend.
Subject + be + on + a video call
She is on a video call.
Subject + join + a video call
We joined the video call late.
Subject + schedule + a video call + for + time
They scheduled a video call for noon.
Subject + conduct + a video call
The manager conducted a video call.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
9/10
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
We use 'with' to show who we are talking to.
We use 'on' for digital communication platforms.
Collocation preference is 'make'.
You participate in calls, you don't 'watch' them unless you are an observer.
As a verb, it is usually written as one word 'videocall' or hyphenated, but as a noun, it is two words.
Tips
Use 'On'
Always say 'I am on a call'.
Clear Vowels
Pronounce the 'i' in video clearly.
Don't say 'in'
Avoid saying 'I am in a call'.
Practice
Say the phrase out loud 5 times.
History
Video calls were once sci-fi.
Etiquette
Always check your background.
Countable
It is a countable noun.
Visuals
Link the word to your webcam.
Sentence Building
Write 3 sentences using it.
Context
Use it for both work and play.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
V-I-D-E-O: View In Digital Electronic Order.
Visual Association
Imagine a TV screen with a person's face inside it.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to have one video call this week with a friend.
Word Origin
Latin/English
Original meaning: To see + to contact
Cultural Context
Be aware that some people find being on camera all day exhausting.
Very common in US/UK/Canada/Australia for both work and social life.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At work
- Join the call
- Mute your mic
- Share your screen
With family
- Can you see me?
- Happy to see you
- Miss you
Technical issues
- Can you hear me?
- Your screen is frozen
- Bad connection
Scheduling
- Let's hop on a call
- What time works?
- Send the link
Conversation Starters
"Do you prefer video calls or in-person meetings?"
"How many video calls do you have in a typical day?"
"Do you ever get tired of being on video calls?"
"What is the funniest thing that has happened on a video call?"
"How have video calls changed your life?"
Journal Prompts
Describe your first experience with a video call.
Write about the pros and cons of video calls.
Imagine a world without video calls; how would you stay in touch?
How do you prepare for an important video call?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsIt is two words: video call.
It is better to say 'I am on a video call'.
Video call is the type; Zoom is a brand.
Yes, it requires an internet connection.
It is neutral and acceptable in most settings.
Absolutely, it is standard for business.
Add an 's': video calls.
It is primarily a noun, though some use 'videocall' as a verb.
Test Yourself
I am ___ a video call.
We use 'on' for calls.
What do you need for a video call?
A camera is necessary for video.
A video call is the same as an email.
Video calls are real-time, emails are not.
Word
Meaning
Common verb collocations.
Subject-Verb-Object.
Score: /5
Summary
A video call is a digital bridge that lets you see the person you are talking to, no matter how far away they are.
- A video call uses a camera and internet to show faces.
- It is a countable noun.
- We use 'on' a video call.
- It is essential for modern remote communication.
Use 'On'
Always say 'I am on a call'.
Clear Vowels
Pronounce the 'i' in video clearly.
Don't say 'in'
Avoid saying 'I am in a call'.
Practice
Say the phrase out loud 5 times.
Example
I have a video call with my parents every Sunday evening.
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