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Despatch Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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despatch

[dɪˈspæʧ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sending goods

Despatch refers to the action of sending goods or messages to a specific destination. It can also imply the speed at which something is sent or completed. In business and logistics, despatch is crucial for ensuring timely delivery of products.

Synonyms

consignment, delivery, dispatch, shipment.

Examples of usage

  • The despatch of the new orders will occur tomorrow.
  • We tracked the despatch of our shipment to ensure on-time arrival.
  • They handled the despatch quickly to meet customer demands.
Context #2 | Verb

sending quickly

To despatch means to send off to a destination or for a purpose. The term emphasizes efficiency and speed in the action of sending, often used in logistics and communication. This verb can also denote killing or putting an end to something quickly.

Synonyms

execute, forward, send, ship.

Examples of usage

  • She will despatch the letters first thing in the morning.
  • They decided to despatch the old items to charity.
  • The officer was instructed to despatch the suspect immediately.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Usage

  • In the past, it referred to the process of sending messages or orders in military contexts.
  • During the British Empire, despatches were vital for communicating instructions over vast distances.
  • The term has historical significance in the context of wartime logistics and supply chains.

Pop Culture

  • Despatches are frequently featured in spy and thriller movies, highlighting the urgency of communication.
  • In journalism, a 'despatch' often refers to a correspondent's report sent from a location, adding to the drama of news delivery.
  • The popular term 'time-sensitive despatch' is commonly used in logistics and delivery businesses, enhancing our understanding of its urgency.

Modern Technology

  • With the rise of email, despatch now includes digital messages sent instantly across the globe.
  • Many apps use 'despatch' in their logistics features, emphasizing prompt delivery tracking.
  • In e-commerce, despatch notifications inform customers about shipping progress, reflecting the importance of the term in everyday life.

Literature

  • In classic literature, despatch often appears in narratives about communication in times of conflict or strategy.
  • Authors have used the term to convey urgency and the importance of messages in their storytelling.
  • The thematic depth of despatch can be found in works reflecting on the human experiences of separation and connection.

Origin of 'despatch'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'dispatchare', meaning to take away or send off.
  • It evolved through Old French 'despatcher', which combined 'des-' (removal) and 'pacht' (to free).
  • Over time, it became 'despatch' in English, with its use recorded since the late 15th century.

The word 'despatch' originates from the Old French term 'despacho', which means 'to send off'. This, in turn, derived from the Latin 'dispatiare', meaning 'to scatter, disperse'. The evolution of the word reflects the historical context in which communication and logistics became increasingly important. Initially used to describe the act of sending messages or official documents, despatch gained significance in trade and commerce as the need for swift delivery of goods and information expanded. By the 17th century, the spelling 'despatch' became more prevalent, particularly in British English, whereas 'dispatch' is often favored in American English. The term has retained its core meaning throughout its development, emphasizing the importance of timely action and delivery.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,896 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.