audible busy signal (english) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/ˈɔː.də.bəl ˈbɪ.zi ˈsɪɡ.nəl/

Meaning and Usage

An "audible busy signal" refers to a sound indication that a telephone line is currently in use and cannot take incoming calls. When someone attempts to call a number that is engaged, they hear an audible busy signal.

This phrase is commonly used in telecommunications, making it somewhat technical in nature. It is more often used in written contexts, such as technical manuals, telecom service descriptions, or calls for customer support. It may also be used in spoken communication when discussing phone service issues.

Usage Frequency: Relatively low frequency in casual conversation but common in specific contexts surrounding telecommunications.

Example Sentences

1. When I called my friend, I only heard an audible busy signal, so I knew she was on the line with someone else.

2. Translation: Cuando llamé a mi amiga, solo escuché una señal de ocupado audible, así que supe que estaba en línea con otra persona.

3. The audible busy signal can be quite frustrating when you need to reach someone urgently.

4. Translation: La señal de ocupado audible puede ser bastante frustrante cuando necesitas comunicarte con alguien urgentemente.

5. If the audible busy signal persists, you might want to try again later or send a text instead.

6. Translation: Si la señal de ocupado audible persiste, puede que quieras intentar de nuevo más tarde o enviar un mensaje de texto en su lugar.

Idiomatic Expressions

While "audible busy signal" itself is not commonly found within idiomatic expressions, its elements can be related to certain phrases in the context of communication:

1. "On the line" (in use):
2. I tried to reach him, but he was already on the line with a client.

3. Translation: Intenté comunicarme con él, pero ya estaba en la línea con un cliente.

4. "Can't get through" (unable to connect):

5. I've been trying to call you, but I just can't get through due to the busy signal.

6. Translation: He estado intentando llamarte, pero simplemente no puedo comunicarme debido a la señal de ocupado.

7. "Busy as a bee" (very busy):

8. She's been busy as a bee, and that's why you keep hearing the busy signal when you call her.
9. Translation: Ha estado ocupada como una abeja, y por eso sigues escuchando la señal de ocupado cuando la llamas.

Etymology

The word "audible" originates from the Latin word "audibilis," meaning "that can be heard." It was incorporated into English in the early 19th century.

"Busy" comes from the Old English "bysig," which meant "careful, anxious," but evolved to mean "engaged" in a task.

"Signal" derives from the Latin "signalis," meaning "of a sign," which eventually transitioned into the Old French "signal" before becoming part of the English lexicon in the late Middle Ages.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Engaged tone - Busy tone - Line busy indication

Antonyms: - Ringing tone - Available tone - Free line indication