Communicate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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communicate

[kəˈmjuːnɪkeɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

social interaction

To communicate means to exchange information or ideas through speaking, writing, or other forms of expression. It involves sharing thoughts, feelings, or messages with others.

Synonyms

convey, express, share, transmit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
communicate

Using when you need to exchange information, ideas, or feelings between people effectively.

  • She can communicate well with both children and adults
  • They rely on emails to communicate with clients
convey

Used when you want to make an idea, feeling, or piece of information known or understandable to others.

  • He tried to convey his concern to the staff
  • The book conveys a powerful message about kindness
transmit

Used in contexts where information, signals, or diseases are being sent or conveyed from one place or person to another.

  • The radio tower transmits signals across the region
  • Viruses can transmit from person to person
express

Used when you want to clearly show your thoughts, feelings, or ideas, often through words, gestures, or actions.

  • She expressed her gratitude with a heartfelt speech
  • It's hard to express how much I appreciate your help
share

Used when you want to give a part of something, like information, experiences, or feelings, with others.

  • They share their travel experiences on social media
  • Please share your thoughts on the meeting agenda

Examples of usage

  • Effective communication is essential in any relationship.
  • They communicated their concerns to the management.
  • She communicates her emotions through her artwork.
Context #2 | Verb

technology

To transmit data electronically or through a digital device. It can involve sending messages, emails, or using communication software.

Synonyms

broadcast, relay, send, transfer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
communicate

Used when sharing or exchanging information or feelings. It can be verbal or non-verbal and typically involves two or more parties.

  • They communicate with each other daily through email
  • Good leaders know how to communicate their vision clearly
transfer

Used when moving something or someone from one place, person, or situation to another, often implying a change of status or possession.

  • He was transferred to a new department last week
  • The bank will transfer the money within 24 hours
send

Used when causing something to go or be taken to a particular destination, usually involving physical or electronic means.

  • She will send the package tomorrow
  • Please send me the details via email
relay

Used when passing information from one person or group to another. It often implies a sequence or chain of communication.

  • The manager will relay the instructions to the team
  • The guard relayed the message to the other officers
broadcast

Used when transmitting information to a wide audience over radio, television, or online platforms. It often involves mass media.

  • The news station will broadcast the game live
  • She decided to broadcast her opinion on social media

Examples of usage

  • The computer system allows users to communicate with each other in real-time.
  • We communicated the updates through the company's internal network.
Context #3 | Noun

social interaction

A message or information shared between individuals or groups. It can be verbal, written, or non-verbal.

Synonyms

conversation, dialogue, exchange, interaction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
communicate

This word is used to talk about the action of transferring information or feelings between people. It can be used in general contexts, whether verbal, written, or nonverbal.

  • We need to communicate more effectively if we want the project to succeed.
  • She finds it hard to communicate her emotions.
interaction

Interaction refers to any kind of action or communication between people, objects, or systems. It is broader than conversation and can include non-verbal communication and actions.

  • The teacher encouraged more interaction among the students.
  • They observed the interaction between predators and their prey.
exchange

This word is used to describe the act of giving and receiving information, ideas, or goods. It often implies a two-way process.

  • There was a lively exchange of ideas during the meeting.
  • They had an exchange of emails to clarify the details.
dialogue

Dialogue is often used to describe a more formal discussion or an exchange of ideas between people. It can also refer to the written or spoken exchanges in books, plays, or films.

  • The dialogue between the two leaders was crucial for reaching an agreement.
  • The book is known for its realistic dialogue.
conversation

This term refers specifically to informal verbal exchanges between two or more people. It's often used in social settings or casual discussions.

  • We had a long conversation about our future plans.
  • Their conversation was interrupted by a phone call.

Examples of usage

  • Written communication is important in formal settings.
  • Non-verbal communication can convey a lot of information.
  • The lack of communication led to misunderstandings.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Effective communication is key to building relationships and trust among individuals.
  • Nonverbal cues, like facial expressions and body language, can significantly impact how messages are understood.
  • Conflict resolution often relies on good communication skills to address misunderstandings and find solutions.

Pop Culture

  • Songs and movies often center around the theme of communication, exploring how miscommunication can lead to drama.
  • Television shows frequently highlight the struggles of characters trying to express their feelings or thoughts.
  • Social media has transformed the way people communicate, allowing for instant sharing of ideas globally.

Technology

  • The invention of the internet has revolutionized how people communicate, connecting those miles apart in an instant.
  • Messaging apps and video calls have transformed personal and professional communication, making it more visual and immediate.
  • The rise of artificial intelligence in communication tools enhances language processing and translation, bridging language barriers.

Education

  • Teaching communication skills is essential in classrooms to foster collaboration and improve understanding among students.
  • Public speaking courses help individuals learn how to effectively communicate their ideas to large audiences.
  • Effective communication in teaching can improve student engagement and retention of information.

Origin of 'communicate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'communicare', which means 'to share or make common'.
  • Root 'communis' means 'common', indicating that communication is about sharing something with others.
  • In the 14th century, the term began to be used in English referring to sharing ideas.

The word 'communicate' originated from the Latin word 'communicare', which means 'to share'. It has been used in English since the late 16th century. Communication has always been a fundamental aspect of human interaction, enabling the exchange of thoughts, ideas, and emotions. With the advancement of technology, communication has evolved to include various forms such as verbal, written, and digital communication.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,093, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.