communicate

communicateverb

To communicate is to pass something, such as information, a feeling, or an illness, from one person to another.

1. share informationshare information, ideas, or feelings with someone by speaking, writing, or in other ways

   intransitive [I] verb + preposition + object [V + prep + obj]

   • We mostly communicate by email.
   • It's hard to communicate with people when you don't speak their language. V + prep + obj
   • Whales communicate with each other using sounds. V + prep + obj

   Collocations

   verb + preposition communicate with someone, communicate by email, communicate through something

   verb + adverb communicate clearly, communicate well, communicate directly

   1. aunderstand each other's thoughts and feelings well

      Often used with a negative or about a close relationship.

      intransitive [I] verb + preposition + object [V + prep + obj]

      • My parents and I just don't communicate.
      • They were married for years but never really communicated.

2. make knownmake an idea, a feeling, or a piece of news known to other people

   transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj] verb + object + preposition + object [V + obj + prep + obj]

   • She communicated her ideas clearly. V + obj
   • He found it hard to communicate his feelings. V + obj
   • The news was communicated to all the staff. V + obj + prep + obj

   Collocations

   verb + noun communicate an idea, communicate a message, communicate your feelings

   verb + preposition communicate something to someone

3. pass on an illnesspass an illness from one person or animal to another

   transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj] usually passive [usually passive] formalmedicine

   • The illness can be communicated by touch. usually passive
   • The disease is communicated through dirty water. usually passive

   Synonyms spread; transmit