How Do You Spell TELETHONS?

Pronunciation: [tˈɛlɪθənz] (IPA)

Telethons is a compound word derived from "television" and "marathon." It refers to a broadcast featuring a prolonged fundraising appeal for a charitable cause. The spelling is pronounced as [tel-uh-thonz]. The first syllable "tel" is pronounced with a short e vowel sound, followed by "uh" for the second syllable. The "thons" syllable is pronounced with a voiced "th" sound, and an "s" sound to indicate plurality. The word first emerged in the 1950s, and telethons have become a popular way to raise funds for various charitable organizations.

TELETHONS Meaning and Definition

1. Telethons, also known as "televised marathons" or "fundraising broadcasts," refer to televised events that aim to raise funds for a specific charitable cause or organization. These events typically span several hours or days and involve continuous television or online broadcasting to solicit donations from viewers or audiences. The word "telethon" is a combination of "television" and "marathon," reflecting the extended duration and continuous nature of these fundraising events.

   During telethons, a variety of activities take place to engage and encourage viewers to donate. These may include live performances by celebrities, entertainers, or musicians, testimonies from beneficiaries or supporters of the cause, special segments highlighting the work done by the organization, and interviews with notable individuals. The telethon host or team often provides updates on the amount of funds raised, establishing a sense of urgency and competitiveness among viewers.

   Telethons have become popular fundraising methods due to their ability to reach a wide audience and evoke an emotional response from viewers. They serve as a platform to create awareness about various social issues, medical research initiatives, disaster relief efforts, or humanitarian causes. The funds raised during telethons are instrumental in supporting projects, programs, or activities that directly benefit the cause.

   While telethons are typically associated with television broadcasts, advancements in technology have allowed for online telethons or webathons as well. These virtual events utilize streaming platforms and social media to engage a global audience and facilitate online donations.

Common Misspellings for TELETHONS

• talkethons
• teletons
• tellethons
• teleathons
• telathone
• telithone

Etymology of TELETHONS

The word "telethon" is a blend of two words: "television" and "marathon".

The term originated in the early 20th century when television became more prominent as a form of broadcasting. The concept of "marathon" stems from the legendary feat of the Greek messenger Pheidippides, who ran from the Greek city of Marathon to Athens to deliver news of victory over the Persians.

As television evolved as a medium, networks and broadcasters began organizing live, extended fundraising events aired on television to raise money for charitable causes. These events involved continuous broadcasting over an extended period, similar to the endurance of a marathon. Thus, the term "telethon" was coined to describe these televised fundraising marathons.