Telegram vs. Telegraph: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 6, 2023
A telegram is a message sent via a telegraph system, while a telegraph is a device or system for transmitting messages over long distances.
Key Differences
Telegram and Telegraph, both crucial inventions of their time, are connected yet distinctly different. A telegram refers to the actual message transmitted using electrical signals over long distances. In the era before phones and the internet, sending a telegram was a swift way to communicate crucial news.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Conversely, the telegraph is the apparatus or the system used to send these telegrams. This system made use of wires, electrical signals, and Morse code to convey messages. The word "telegram" encapsulates the content, the message itself, while "telegraph" denotes the medium, the machine, or the overall method used.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Over time, both terms have evolved. Telegram now also refers to a popular messaging application. Meanwhile, telegraph has taken on metaphorical meanings, such as to unintentionally reveal or indicate an upcoming action.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Comparison Chart
Definition
A message sent via a telegraph system
A device or system for transmitting messages
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
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Physicality
Intangible (the message itself)
Tangible (the machinery or system)
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Time Relevance
Historically, a speedy mode of communication
An old system for long-distance communication
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Telegram and Telegraph Definitions
Telegram
A message sent over long distances using electrical signals.
She received a telegram announcing the birth of her niece.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
Telegraph
An apparatus for transmitting messages over long distances.
The invention of the telegraph revolutionized long-distance communication.
Sara Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
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Telegram
A printed or written message delivered by telegraphic means.
He handed her a telegram with the news of their son's safe arrival.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Telegraph
To unintentionally indicate an intention or future action.
He tried to keep a poker face, but his eyes telegraphed his bluff.
Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
Telegram
An urgent or fast communication method.
Send a telegram to inform them of the changes.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Telegraph
To send a message by telegraph.
He decided to telegraph his family about his safe arrival.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
Telegram
A modern messaging application.
I'll send you the details on Telegram later.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
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Telegraph
A means of communicating over distances using wires and signals.
The telegraph was a groundbreaking invention of the 19th century.
Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
Telegraph
A system of sending messages via electrical signals.
Morse code was commonly used with the telegraph system.
Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
Telegraph
A communications system that transmits and receives simple unmodulated electric impulses, especially one in which the transmission and reception stations are directly connected by wires.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 03, 2023
Telegraph
To make known (a feeling or an attitude, for example) by nonverbal means
Telegraphed her derision with a smirk.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 03, 2023
Telegraph
To make known (an intended action, for example) in advance or unintentionally
By massing troops on the border, the enemy telegraphed its intended invasion to the target country.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 03, 2023
Telegram
A communication sent by telegraph.
The telegram bore the sad news of her grandfather's passing.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
Telegraph
(uncommon) telegraphy, any process for transmitting arbitrarily long messages over a long distance using a symbolic code.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 03, 2023
Telegraph
The electrical device gradually developed in the early 19th century to transmit messages using Morse code; the entire system used to transmit its messages including overhead lines and transoceanic cables.
The first message transmitted by telegraph in the WHAT HATH GOD WROUGHT.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 03, 2023
Telegraph
(video games) A visible or audible cue that indicates to an opponent the action that a character is about to take.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 03, 2023
Telegraph
(figurative) To clearly communicate to another nonverbally, whether by gesture, a change in attitude, or any other sign, especially unintentionally.
Her frown telegraphed her displeasure.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 03, 2023
Telegraph
An apparatus, or a process, for communicating intelligence rapidly between distant points, especially by means of preconcerted visible or audible signals representing words or ideas, or by means of words and signs, transmitted by electrical action.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 03, 2023
Telegraph
Apparatus used to communicate at a distance over a wire (usually in Morse code)
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 03, 2023
FAQs
Can "telegraph" mean giving away intentions?
Yes, it can mean unintentionally revealing or indicating an upcoming action.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Can "telegram" refer to any quick message?
Historically, it specifically referred to messages sent via telegraph, but it can be used more broadly today.
Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
How were telegrams transmitted?
They were transmitted using electrical signals over wires.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
Is a telegram the same as a telegraph?
No, a telegram is the message, while a telegraph is the system or device.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Is telegraphy still in use today?
While largely obsolete, some forms of telegraphy, like maritime Morse code, are still in use.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Could anyone send a telegram?
Yes, for a fee, public telegram services were available.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Why is the app named Telegram?
It's likely a nod to swift and efficient communication, reminiscent of the original telegrams.
Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
Can "telegraph" be used as a verb?
Yes, it can mean to send a message by telegraph or to unintentionally indicate an intention.
Sara Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
Was Morse code used with telegrams?
Yes, Morse code was a common language for telegrams sent via telegraph.
Sara Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
Which came first, the telegram or the telegraph?
The telegraph system came first, and then messages sent via this system were called telegrams.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Are telegrams still sent today?
Traditional telegrams are rare, but some companies offer "telegram" services for nostalgic or ceremonial purposes.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
Were telegrams short or long?
Typically short, due to cost and the manual effort of sending Morse code.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
What was the main purpose of a telegraph?
It was used for transmitting messages over long distances quickly.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Did telegraphs require manual operation?
Yes, operators manually sent and translated the Morse code messages.
Sara Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
How has the telegraph impacted modern communication?
It laid the groundwork for subsequent advances, from telephones to the internet.
Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
What replaced telegraphs primarily?
The telephone was the primary replacement for the telegraph.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Were telegrams used for international communication?
Yes, they were crucial for international news and personal communication before phones.
Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
Do telegrams and telegraphs have a connection to Morse code?
Yes, Morse code was the language used to send telegrams via the telegraph system.
Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
How did one pay for sending a telegram?
By the word or message length, leading to concise telegrams.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
