called
v. · adj.-
1 having a specific name (v.) A1 Beginnerto have a particular name.
used to specify the name or title of a person, place, or thing.
ExampleI have a cat called Luna who sleeps on my bed every night.
ExampleThe small village, called Oakhaven by the locals, does not appear on most maps printed before the nineteenth century.
UsageOften used in the passive voice (be + called) to introduce a name.
PitfallHe is calling John.He is called John.Use the passive form 'is called' to state someone's name. 'Is calling' means he is using a phone right now.
-
2 telephoned or shouted (v.) A1 Beginnerthe past tense of calling someone by phone or by shouting their name.
the past tense of 'call', indicating a completed action of telephoning or vocal summoning.
ExampleShe called me yesterday to talk about our holiday plans.
ExampleThe manager called the meeting to order after the final board member arrived and took their seat.
Show 1 more senseShow fewer
-
3 summoned or chosen (adj.) C1 Advanced Formal Literary Religiondescribing someone who has been asked to come or chosen for a special task.
describing a person who has been summoned or feels a divine or professional vocation.
ExampleHe felt called to help people and decided to become a doctor.
ExampleIn many traditional narratives, the hero is a called individual who must leave their home to fulfill a destiny they did not choose.