Communicate: Definition, Examples, and Usage Guide

Meaning 1：share or exchange information (communicate)

communicate 🔊

/kəˈmjuːnɪkeɪt/

To share or exchange information, news, or ideas with someone else.

Two people communicate warmly at a kitchen table

share or exchange information 🔊

➕

/ʃɛər ɔːr ɪksˈtʃeɪndʒ ˌɪnfərˈmeɪʃən/

To convey thoughts, feelings, or data through speech, writing, or signals; to have a mutual understanding.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'communicare' (to share), from 'communis' (common).

💡 Mnemonic

COMMUNI sounds like 'common union' — sharing ideas unites us.

📖 Example

Parents and children should communicate openly about their feelings to build trust. 🔊 Parents and children should communicate openly about their feelings to build trust.

🔗 Collocations

communicate effectively – to express ideas clearly and successfully

communicate with someone – to exchange information or feelings with another person

communicate ideas – to share thoughts or concepts

🔄 Synonyms

convey (v.) – to communicate a message, feeling, or idea

express (v.) – to communicate thoughts or feelings through words or actions

transmit (v.) – to communicate or send information, signals, etc.

🚫 Antonyms

withhold (v.) – to refuse to communicate or share information

conceal (v.) – to keep information hidden, not communicate

sever (v.) – to break off communication or connection

🌱 Derivatives

communication (n.) – the act of communicating

communicative (adj.) – willing and able to communicate

communicatively (adv.) – in a way that involves communication

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Latin 'communicare' meaning 'to share, impart.' The root 'communis' means 'common,' highlighting the idea of making something common among people.