Called for Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈkɔld.fɔr/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A message or request that has been formally or officially given; an instruction or order that needs to be carried out.

Examples

• The coach called for a timeout to discuss strategy.
• The manager received a call from the CEO, asking for a meeting.

Synonyms

• Order
• Request
• Instruction

Antonyms

• Ignored
• Dismissed

Etymology

The word “called for” originates from Old English “gecorr” meaning “to summon” or “to call”, and has evolved to encompass the idea of a formal or official request.

Usage Notes

When using “called for”, it’s essential to clarify the context to avoid confusion. For example, “The fire department was called for the emergency” is different from “The restaurant called for the delivery order.”

Cultural References

In the TV show “Homeland”, main character Carrie Mathison receives cryptic messages that are “called for” from her intel agents.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“Call for backup” means to request additional support or assistance, usually in an emergency situation.

Related Words or Phrases

Other words related to “called for” include “summon”, “request”, and “invitation”.

Collocations

“Called for” often collocates with words like “report”, “meeting”, “briefing”, or “intervention” to convey a sense of official or formal communication.

Frequency of Use

“Called for” is a moderately used term, most commonly appearing in formal communication settings like business, government, or emergency services.

Common Misspellings

Some common misspellings of “called for” include “call for”, “callford”, or “callfor”.