mobile
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for mobile, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Able to move or be moved easily, rather than staying fixed in one place.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use mobile
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French, from Latin "mobilis," meaning "easy to move," from "movere" ("to move").
Full origin of mobile →Frequently asked questions
What does “mobile” mean?
The word “mobile” means able to move or be moved easily, rather than staying fixed in one place. In plain terms, able to move around freely, or (as a noun) a mobile phone.
How do you pronounce “mobile”?
“Mobile” is pronounced MOH-byl (/ˈmoʊ.bəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “mobile” in a sentence?
Here is “mobile” used in a sentence: “After surgery, he was slowly able to become mobile again.”
What part of speech is “mobile”?
Depending on how it is used, “mobile” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “mobile” come from?
The word “mobile” comes from Latin. From Old French, from Latin "mobilis," meaning "easy to move," from "movere" ("to move").
Is “mobile” a common word?
“Mobile” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “mobile” have?
“Mobile” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: able to move or be moved easily, rather than staying fixed in one place.
What is the difference between 'mobile' and 'portable'?
Both describe something not fixed in place, but the emphasis differs. 'Mobile' means able to move or be moved, sometimes under its own power — a mobile unit travels around. 'Portable' specifically means light enough to be carried by hand. A portable device is always mobile, but not everything mobile is portable.
What is the opposite of 'mobile'?
The main opposites are 'immobile,' 'fixed,' and 'stationary,' all describing something that cannot move or must stay in one place. In a medical sense, a patient who cannot move freely may be described as immobile. The right opposite depends on whether you mean unable to move or simply not moving.
Why is a mobile phone called 'mobile'?
Because it can be carried and used almost anywhere, unlike a traditional landline fixed to one spot. The word captures the whole point of the device: freedom of movement. In American English it is usually called a 'cell phone,' while 'mobile' is the standard term in Britain and much of the world.