communicate
Definitions
To share or exchange information, ideas, or feelings with others
交流，沟通
To express thoughts or feelings so that they are clearly understood
清楚地传达，表达
(of a disease) to be passed from one person to another
（疾病）传染
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom commūnicāre, 'to make common.' To communicate is to put an idea into shared space so others have it too — and you don't lose it, just as a gift (mūnus) can be given without being given up. That mutual sense is why you communicate WITH someone, not 'to' them.
Root mun still carries 15 more wordsWhy It Means This
The literal core of communicate is 'to make common' — and that single idea explains its modern range. Sharing words and ideas is the main sense, but the same 'making common' logic covers passing a disease from one body to another (a communicable disease) and even two rooms that 'communicate' through a connecting door. Whatever moves from private into shared, communicates.
Usage Guide
- communicate WITH someone (mutual exchange) — talk and listen both ways
- communicate something TO someone (one-way delivery) — communicate the decision to the team
- 'a good communicator' = a person skilled at making ideas clear
Note: very common in workplace English; 'we need to communicate better' usually means listen + share, not just send messages.
Example Sentences
- 1.
Good teachers know how to communicate complex ideas simply.
- 2.
We mostly communicate with the overseas team by email.
- 3.
Dolphins communicate using a range of clicks and whistles.
Synonym Comparison
- communicate — broad; share information by any means, often two-way
- convey — deliver a specific message or feeling, one-way
- express — put your own thoughts/feelings into words
- transmit — send signals/data/disease across a distance
- inform — give someone facts they didn't have