Communicate
kuh-MYOO-nih-kayt
/kəˈmjuːnɪkeɪt/
To share or exchange information, news, or ideas; to transmit a message or signal.
Implies a two-way process of sharing and understanding, though it can also refer to a one-way transmission.
The story behind the word. The word 'communicate' traces its roots back to the Latin verb 'communicare', which meant 'to impart, share, make common'. This, in turn, came from 'communis', meaning 'common, public'. So, when you communicate, you're essentially making something 'common' or shared between yourself and others.
Word relationships
- Convey: Often implies carrying or transmitting information, less emphasis on two-way exchange.
- Impart: Suggests giving knowledge or information to someone.
- Interact: Focuses more on mutual action or influence, often involving communication.
- Withhold: To refuse to give something, including information.
- Conceal: To hide or keep secret.
Commonly confused with
- Transmit: 'Communicate' implies sharing understanding; 'transmit' is simply sending a signal or data.
Word family
- communication (noun): The imparting or exchanging of information by speaking, writing, or using some other medium.
- communicative (adj): Willing to talk or impart information.
- communicator (noun): A person who is able to transmit or exchange information, news, or ideas.
Collocations
- communicate clearly
- communicate effectively
- communicate ideas
- communicate feelings
- communicate with
Idioms & expressions
- communicate a message
Example sentences
- "Effective teams `communicate` openly and frequently to ensure everyone is on the same page." Discussing team collaboration.
- "Dolphins `communicate` with each other through a complex system of clicks and whistles." Referring to animal behavior.
- "The software is designed to `communicate` seamlessly with various hardware devices." In a technical manual.
Memory hook
Think of making something `common` between people. When you `communicate`, you make ideas `common` knowledge. Make common
When not to use
While 'communicate' can refer to transmitting, it usually implies a more complex exchange than simply 'sending' an object.
Fun facts
- The word 'community' shares the same Latin root 'communis', highlighting the idea of shared interaction.
- Non-verbal communication, such as body language, is a significant part of how humans communicate.
Related words
Explore more words
impart, disseminate, broadcast, network, get across, communal
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