Explanation at your level:
To communicate means to talk or write to someone. You use words to tell people what you want. For example, you communicate when you say 'Hello' or 'I am hungry'. It is how you share your day with friends.
When you communicate, you send information to others. You can communicate by speaking, writing emails, or using your phone. It is very important for work and for making new friends. Good communication helps people understand each other better.
To communicate is to exchange information, ideas, or feelings. It is not just about the words you use; it is also about listening to the other person. In B1 English, we learn how to communicate our opinions clearly and how to ask for clarification when we do not understand something.
As you reach B2, communicate takes on a more nuanced meaning. It involves adapting your register—knowing when to be formal in a business meeting versus casual with friends. It also involves non-verbal cues, like body language, which are essential to communicate intent effectively.
At the C1 level, to communicate encompasses the ability to convey complex, abstract concepts with precision. It is about rhetorical strategy—choosing the right medium and tone to influence an audience. You are no longer just sharing facts; you are managing perceptions and building rapport through sophisticated linguistic choices.
Mastery of communicate at the C2 level involves understanding the cultural and historical weight of language. You recognize that communication is a social construct that varies wildly across contexts. You can navigate subtle subtext, irony, and cultural barriers, ensuring your message is not just received, but interpreted exactly as intended across diverse environments.
Word in 30 Seconds
- It means to share information.
- It is a regular verb.
- Use 'with' for people.
- It is essential for relationships.
At its heart, to communicate is to bridge the gap between two minds. Whether you are sending a text, giving a speech, or just waving hello, you are participating in the fundamental human act of sharing.
It is not just about talking; it is about connection. True communication requires a sender, a message, and a receiver who actually understands what is being said. Without that final piece—understanding—it is just noise!
The word communicate comes from the Latin word communicare, which means 'to share' or 'to make common.' Think about that—when you communicate, you are literally making your private thoughts 'common' property between you and someone else.
It entered Middle English in the 14th century. Interestingly, it is closely related to the word communion, which also shares that beautiful root of coming together in unity.
You will hear this word everywhere! In a professional setting, we often talk about effective communication. In relationships, we emphasize the need to communicate openly.
It is a versatile verb. You can communicate with a person, or you can communicate a message (like 'the boss communicated his disappointment'). It fits perfectly in both casual chats and formal reports.
While 'communicate' is a formal verb, we have many ways to describe the process. 1. On the same page: When two people communicate well and agree. 2. Read between the lines: Understanding hidden meanings. 3. Get the message: Realizing what someone is trying to say. 4. Speak the same language: Having shared values or interests. 5. Talk shop: Discussing work-related topics.
The verb is communicate (stress on the second syllable). It is a regular verb, so the past tense is communicated. You will often see it followed by the preposition 'with' when talking to people.
IPA (UK): /kəˈmjuːnɪkeɪt/. IPA (US): /kəˈmjuːnəˌkeɪt/. It rhymes with words like 'duplicate' or 'authenticate'.
Fun Fact
It shares a root with 'common'!
Pronunciation Guide
Starts with a soft 'kuh' sound.
Clearer 't' at the end.
Common Errors
- Mispronouncing the 'u' as 'oo'
- Stress on the wrong syllable
- Dropping the final 't'
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy
Easy
Easy
Easy
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Prepositions
Communicate with
Verbs
Regular past tense
Adverbs
Effectively
Examples by Level
I communicate with my mom.
talk to
verb + with
We communicate by email.
They communicate in English.
Can you communicate your ideas?
I like to communicate clearly.
How do you communicate?
They communicate every day.
We need to communicate more.
She communicates with her team.
Effective teams communicate well.
We communicate via video calls.
It is hard to communicate feelings.
He communicates with great passion.
They communicate their goals clearly.
We must communicate the changes.
Can we communicate later?
She communicates through art.
The CEO communicated a new vision.
We need to communicate the risks.
They communicate with great diplomacy.
His actions communicate his values.
She communicates with total confidence.
They communicate across cultures.
We communicate in real time.
He communicates his needs well.
The essay communicates a sense of urgency.
They communicate a shared identity.
He communicates with subtle irony.
The design communicates elegance.
We communicate our brand values.
She communicates with profound insight.
They communicate through silence.
The report communicates the findings.
The architecture communicates a bygone era.
He communicates with an air of authority.
The poem communicates deep sorrow.
They communicate a unified front.
The silence communicated everything.
She communicates with unmatched grace.
The text communicates hidden layers.
They communicate through symbols.
Synonyms
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"get on the same page"
to agree
Let's get on the same page.
casual"read between the lines"
find hidden meaning
I read between the lines.
neutral"talk shop"
talk about work
Stop talking shop!
casual"get the message"
understand
I got the message.
neutral"speak the same language"
have common ground
We speak the same language.
neutral"give a heads up"
inform in advance
Give me a heads up.
casualEasily Confused
Both imply speaking
Talk is casual; communicate is broader.
We talked / We communicated.
Both share info
Inform is one-way.
I informed him / I communicated with him.
Both imply interaction
Converse is specifically talking.
We conversed.
Both share feelings
Express is internal to external.
She expressed joy.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + communicate + with + object
I communicate with him.
Subject + communicate + [info] + to + object
I communicated the news to her.
Subject + communicate + [that clause]
He communicated that he was late.
Subject + communicate + [adverb]
They communicate effectively.
Subject + communicate + [through/via] + method
We communicate via email.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
8
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
We communicate WITH people, not TO them.
Needs a preposition.
This is correct, but 'communicate with' is for people.
Use present continuous.
Use past participle.
Tips
Memory Palace
Imagine a radio tower.
Business
Use it in emails.
Directness
Americans like direct communication.
Preposition
Always 'with' people.
Stress
Stress the 2nd syllable.
Preposition
Don't say 'to'.
Latin root
It means 'to share'.
Flashcards
Use with 'with'.
Active
Listen carefully.
Clarity
Keep it simple.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
COMM-unity: To share in a community.
Visual Association
Two people passing a ball.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to explain a complex topic simply.
Word Origin
Latin
Original meaning: to share, make common
Cultural Context
None
Highly valued in business and education.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At work
- Communicate effectively
- Clear communication
- Team communication
In relationships
- Communicate feelings
- Open communication
- Listen well
Technology
- Digital communication
- Communicate online
- Instant messaging
Education
- Communicate ideas
- Academic communication
- Clear writing
Conversation Starters
"How do you communicate with your friends?"
"Why is communication important?"
"Do you prefer writing or speaking?"
"How has technology changed communication?"
"What makes a good communicator?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you communicated well.
How do you handle miscommunication?
Describe your communication style.
Why is listening part of communication?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsCommunicate with a person.
Communication.
It is neutral and versatile.
Yes, animals communicate too.
To communicate incorrectly.
Yes.
It includes talking but is broader.
C-O-M-M-U-N-I-C-A-T-E.
Test Yourself
I ___ with my friends.
We communicate with friends.
Which means to share info?
Communicate is to share.
You communicate TO a person.
You communicate WITH a person.
Word
Meaning
Synonyms match.
Subject-verb-adverb.
Score: /5
Summary
To communicate is to share a part of yourself so that others can understand you.
- It means to share information.
- It is a regular verb.
- Use 'with' for people.
- It is essential for relationships.
Memory Palace
Imagine a radio tower.
Business
Use it in emails.
Directness
Americans like direct communication.
Preposition
Always 'with' people.
Example
We have good communication at the dinner table every evening.
Related Content
See it in Videos
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"The communicate is important."
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"The communicate is important."
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"We have good communication at the dinner table every evening."
Learn it in Context
This Word in Other Languages
More Family words
cousin
A1A cousin is the child of your aunt or uncle. It is a family member who shares the same grandparents as you but has different parents.
grandma
A1An informal and affectionate term for a grandmother, defined as the mother of one's father or mother. It is a common family title used in everyday conversation.
aunt
A1The sister of one's father or mother, or the wife of one's uncle. It is a kinship term used to describe a female member of the extended family.
obey
A1To do what you are told to do by a person, a rule, or a law. In a family, it specifically means children following the instructions given by their parents or elders.
couple
A1A couple refers to two people who are married or in a romantic relationship. It can also be used to describe two things of the same kind that are joined or considered together.
dad
A1An informal and affectionate name for a father, used primarily by children or within a family context. It refers to a male parent who provides care and support for his offspring.
sofa
A1A long, comfortable seat with a back and arms for two or more people to sit on at once. It is usually found in a living room and is designed for relaxing, reading, or watching television.
forgive
A1To stop feeling angry at someone who has done something wrong or made a mistake. It means you accept their apology and decide to move forward without being upset anymore.
circumpateral
C1Describes something that exists, moves, or is organized around a father figure or the paternal line. It is a rare, technical term used in sociology and genealogy to define structures or behaviors centered on a male patriarch.
circummaterize
C1Describes a state of being completely surrounded by or deeply rooted in maternal influence or the foundational material matrix from which something originates. It is often used to characterize environments, systems, or emotional states that are defined by their protective and originating physical borders.
