NIGHT LETTER Meaning and
Definition
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A night letter is a term used to describe a telegraph message sent during the nighttime hours. In the early days of telegraphy, messages were often transmitted using Morse code, which allowed for quick and efficient communication over long distances. Night letters were typically sent after regular business hours, usually between the hours of 6 PM and 6 AM, when rates for telegraph service were lower.
Night letters were commonly used for urgent or time-sensitive messages that needed to be delivered quickly. These messages were typically concise and to the point, containing only the essential information. The reduced rates during nighttime hours made it a cost-effective option for individuals or businesses that required expedited communication without incurring high expenses.
The term "night letter" was commonly associated with Western Union, one of the largest and most well-known telegraph companies in the United States. Western Union introduced the concept of night letters in the mid-19th century as a cost-saving measure, allowing people to send urgent messages during off-peak hours.
With advancements in technology, such as the invention of the telephone and later the internet, the use of telegraphy and night letters diminished. Nowadays, the concept of a night letter has become obsolete, replaced by various digital communication methods that offer instantaneous and low-cost messaging options 24/7.
Common Misspellings for NIGHT LETTER
- bight letter
- might letter
- jight letter
- hight letter
- nught letter
- njght letter
- nkght letter
- noght letter
- n9ght letter
- n8ght letter
- nifht letter
- nivht letter
- nibht letter
- nihht letter
- niyht letter
- nitht letter
- niggt letter
- nigbt letter
- nignt letter
Etymology of NIGHT LETTER
The word "night letter" is a combination of two separate words: "night" and "letter".
The term "night" originates from the Old English word "niht", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "nakhts". It has remained relatively unchanged throughout the development of the English language and refers to the period of darkness between sunset and sunrise.
The word "letter" comes from the Old English word "letter", which initially meant a written character or symbol. It is derived from the Latin word "littera", meaning "letter of the alphabet", which is also related to the ancient Greek word "lettera".
When combined, "night letter" typically refers to a letter or message that is sent or delivered during the night or overnight. It often implies urgency or secrecy, as nocturnal communications often serve a specific purpose, such as urgent notifications or clandestine exchanges.
Similar spelling words for NIGHT LETTER
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