Transmit Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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transmit

[trænzˈmɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

communication

To transmit means to send or pass on something, such as a message, signal, or disease, from one person, place, or thing to another. It can also refer to the broadcasting or sharing of information electronically.

Synonyms

broadcast, communicate, send.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
transmit

Used primarily in technical or scientific contexts, often referring to the transfer of signals, data, or diseases.

  • The satellite is designed to transmit data to Earth
  • Be careful, as this virus can transmit from person to person
send

Common in everyday speech, usually referring to the action of dispatching a message, letter, email, or item from one place to another.

  • Please send me the report by tomorrow
  • I will send you a postcard while I'm on vacation
broadcast

Typically used in the context of radio, television, or online media, referring to the dissemination of information to a wide audience.

  • The news will be broadcast live at 6 PM
  • She runs a podcast that broadcasts weekly
communicate

Used in everyday situations, especially when referring to sharing or exchanging information, ideas, or feelings.

  • It is important to communicate openly in a relationship
  • They use email to communicate with their clients

Examples of usage

  • The radio station transmits news updates every hour.
  • Cell phones transmit data through wireless networks.
  • Viruses can transmit easily through close contact.
Context #2 | Verb

technology

In technology, to transmit is to send data or signals from one device to another through a medium such as wires, cables, or airwaves. It is a key concept in telecommunications and computer networking.

Synonyms

relay, send, transfer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
transmit

Best used in technical or formal settings, especially related to sending signals, data, or diseases.

  • The radio tower can transmit signals over long distances.
  • The virus can transmit rapidly among unvaccinated populations.
send

Commonly used in everyday situations for transferring anything from one place or person to another, broadly applicable in informal contexts.

  • I will send you the documents by email.
  • Please send me your address.
transfer

Mostly used when talking about moving something from one place, person, or system to another, frequently used in financial or technical contexts.

  • We need to transfer the funds by tomorrow.
  • The data transfer took several hours to complete.
relay

Often used when information or a message is passed from one person or device to another, usually implying stages or intermediaries.

  • Please relay the message to the team as soon as possible.
  • The network relays data between multiple devices efficiently.

Examples of usage

  • The modem transmits data over the phone line.
  • Wireless routers transmit internet signals to connected devices.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In biology, transmit refers to how diseases or infections can pass from one organism to another.
  • In physics, it describes how energy, like light and sound, moves through different mediums.
  • The development of radio waves and the electromagnetic spectrum was crucial for the transmission of data wirelessly.

Technology

  • The concept of transmit is fundamental to telecommunications, allowing phones and radios to send signals.
  • Modern internet protocols rely on the ability of devices to transmit data efficiently over various networks.
  • In digital media, transmitting can refer to streaming audio or video content in real-time.

Psychology

  • In communication theory, theorists study how emotions or ideas are transmitted between people through language and non-verbal cues.
  • Transmitting feelings effectively can enhance interpersonal relationships, illustrating the importance of clear communication.
  • Non-verbal cues, like body language, also play a vital role in how messages are transmitted and understood.

Literature

  • Many literary works explore themes of transmission, such as passing down stories through generations.
  • In novels, characters often transmit their thoughts and emotions to others, illustrating internal struggles.
  • The concept of transmitting culture is essential in literature, showing how traditions are shared and preserved.

Origin of 'transmit'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'transmit' comes from the Latin 'transmittere,' where 'trans-' means across and 'mittere' means to send.
  • In the 14th century, the term was used in English to describe the act of sending things over distances, like letters or packages.
  • Its use in the context of technology became popular in the 20th century with advancements in communication techniques.

The word 'transmit' comes from the Latin word 'transmittere', which is a combination of 'trans' (across) and 'mittere' (to send). The concept of transmitting information has been essential throughout human history, from the early forms of communication like smoke signals and carrier pigeons to modern technologies like radio waves and the internet.


Word Frequency Rank

At #5,792 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.