Mail: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ“ง
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mail

 

[ meษชl ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

electronic communication

A system for sending and receiving messages electronically over a computer network. It allows individuals to exchange digital messages instantly.

Synonyms

electronic mail, email.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mail

This form of 'mail' refers specifically to traditional postal mail and is used when discussing physical letters or packages.

  • The mail usually arrives by 11 AM.
  • I sent the package through mail.
email

This is the most common term used to describe electronic messages. It is appropriate for everyday use, both in professional and casual settings.

  • I'll email you the report by the end of the day.
  • Can you check your email for the itinerary?
electronic mail

This is the formal and precise way to refer to email, often used in technical, legal, or formal contexts where specifying the electronic nature of the message is important.

  • Please send the document via electronic mail.
  • Company policies regarding electronic mail usage must be followed.

Examples of usage

  • I received an important mail from my boss this morning.
  • Don't forget to check your mail regularly for updates.
Context #2 | Verb

send or convey by mail

To send or convey something by post or electronic mail.

Synonyms

post, send.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mail

Use this term when you refer to the general system or service of sending letters and packages. It can also be used as a noun to describe letters or packages themselves.

  • I need to check my mail.
  • She received a lot of mail today.
  • Did you mail the package yet?
send

This is a general verb that can be used in various contexts to describe the act of causing something to go or be taken to a particular destination. It's not limited to mail and can be used for emails, messages, etc.

  • I will send you the details later.
  • Please send the documents to my office.
  • He sent a message to his friend.
post

This term is more commonly used in British English to refer to the system or service of sending letters and packages. It also serves as a noun to describe letters or packages.

  • I received a letter in the post.
  • Post your application before the deadline.
  • The post office is around the corner.

Examples of usage

  • I will mail you the documents tomorrow.
  • She mailed the invitations to all her friends.

Translations

Translations of the word "mail" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น correio

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคกเคพเค•

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Post

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ pos

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟะพัˆั‚ะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ poczta

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้ƒตไพฟ (yลซbin)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท courrier

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ correo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท posta

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์šฐํŽธ (upyeon)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุจุฑูŠุฏ (barฤซd)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ poลกta

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ poลกta

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้‚ฎไปถ (yรณujiร n)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ poลกta

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ pรณstur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฟะพัˆั‚ะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒคแƒแƒกแƒขแƒ (posta)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ poรงt

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ correo

Etymology

The word 'mail' originated from the Middle English 'male', which came from the Old French 'male' meaning 'bag' or 'wallet'. It was used to refer to letters and parcels carried by post or courier services. Over time, the term evolved to include electronic mail or email as a form of communication.

See also: email, mailable, mailer, mailman.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,634, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.