televise
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /tˈɛlɪvˌaɪz/
US
- /ˈtɛləˌvaɪz/
Description
- broadcast on TV
- show on television
- air
- transmit via television
To televise something means to broadcast it on television so a large audience can watch it. Back in the day, before streaming became common, if an event was important enough, it would be televised nationally, like presidential debates or the Olympic Games. The word comes from television and carries the idea of seeing something from far away.
It's more than just showing a video; it suggests a planned broadcast for the public. You wouldn't say you "televised" a home movie for your family, but you would say the Super Bowl is televised every year. The word is most often used as a verb to describe putting something on TV.
To televise means to broadcast something on television, making it available for public viewing. It's more than simply recording or showing footage; it implies a formal, wide broadcast through television. For example: "The trial was televised live across the nation," meaning people could watch it unfold in real time on their TVs.
The word developed from television itself. It combines "tele," meaning distant, with "vision," relating to sight. That fits the basic idea of the technology: sending images and sound over long distances to many people at the same time.
While we now have many ways to watch content, such as streaming services and online platforms, televise still refers specifically to broadcasting on television. You might say a political rally was televised on CNN or that a major sporting event will be televised in high definition. It's a common term for events of public interest or events meant for a very large audience watching at the same time.
The act of televising something can have a significant impact, bringing immediate awareness and scrutiny to the subject matter. A controversial hearing might be televised to ensure transparency, while a heartwarming human-interest story could be televised to inspire millions of viewers.
Ultimately, televise isn't just about showing something on a screen; it's about the powerful act of broadcasting an event for widespread public consumption—literally bringing the world into our living rooms.
Examples
- 1
Sports broadcast
The network will televise the final game on Saturday.
- 2
Live debate
The debate was televised live across the country.
- 3
TV appeal
Some sports are exciting in person but do not televise well.
Phrase
televise well
look or work well on TV
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- televiseverb
Forms
- televisedpast tenseverb
- televising-ing formverb
- televisesverb