communication
C2 (Very High)Neutral to Formal. Extremely common across all registers.
Definition
Meaning
The act or process of sharing information, ideas, or feelings between people or groups, typically through speech, writing, or other mediums.
A message or piece of information that is communicated; the field of study concerned with how information is transmitted; the technology or systems (like phones, internet) that enable the exchange of information; a means of connecting different places.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Can refer to both the process/activity and the actual messages/information exchanged. In plural ('communications'), often refers to systems, technology, or the academic field. Implies a two-way process of exchange more than mere transmission.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. 'Communications' as a singular noun for the technology field (e.g., 'satellite communications') is slightly more common in AmE. BrE may favour 'telecommunications' in formal contexts.
Connotations
Identical in core meaning.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
communication between A and Bcommunication with someonecommunication about/on/concerning somethingcommunication from someonecommunication to someoneVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A line of communication”
- “Breakdown in communication”
- “Keep the lines of communication open”
- “Cut off communication”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Critical for teamwork, management, and client relations. Often refers to 'internal/external communication', 'communication strategy', 'channels of communication'.
Academic
A major interdisciplinary field (Communication Studies). Used in theories (e.g., 'communication model', 'interpersonal communication').
Everyday
Talking, texting, emailing. E.g., 'We need better communication in this family.'
Technical
In IT/engineering: data transmission protocols, signalling systems (e.g., 'network communication', 'serial communication').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We need to communicate the new policy to all staff clearly.
- They haven't been communicating well since the argument.
- The painting communicates a deep sense of loneliness.
American English
- Management failed to communicate the deadline change effectively.
- Dolphins communicate using complex sounds.
- The design communicates elegance and simplicity.
adverb
British English
- He nodded communicatively to show he understood.
- (Rarely used; 'expressively' is more common.)
American English
- She gestured communicatively towards the exit.
- (Rarely used.)
adjective
British English
- She has excellent communicative skills.
- The document was clear and communicative.
American English
- He's not very communicative in the mornings.
- We're taking a communications course this semester.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Good communication is important for friends.
- I got a communication from my school.
- We use phones for communication.
- The lack of communication caused many problems in the project.
- Email is my main form of communication at work.
- Animals have different ways of communication.
- The report criticised the government's poor communication of the new health guidelines.
- Diplomats worked to establish a secret channel of communication between the two leaders.
- Non-verbal communication can sometimes convey more than words.
- The theory posits that all communication is inherently biased by the medium through which it is transmitted.
- Strategic communications were deployed to manage the crisis and shape public perception.
- A profound breakdown in interdepartmental communication precipitated the systemic failure.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'COMMUNIty' + 'ACTION'. Communication is the ACTION that builds and sustains a COMMUNIty.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS A CONDUIT / A BRIDGE (Ideas are objects sent along a path to a receiver, connecting separate entities).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not directly translate 'связь' as 'communication' for romantic relationships ('relationship').
- Avoid using 'communication' for transport links ('transport connection').
- 'Коммуникация' in Russian is a narrower, more technical term; English 'communication' is far broader and more common.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'communications' as an uncountable noun for the general process (incorrect: 'Good communications is key.' Correct: 'Good communication is key.').
- Confusing 'communicate with' (interact) and 'communicate to' (transmit information *to* a passive audience).
- Misspelling: 'comunication' (missing an 'm').
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'communication' used to refer primarily to a technological system?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily uncountable when referring to the general process or activity ('Communication is vital'). It is countable when referring to a specific message or formal piece of information ('We received an official communication').
'Communication' (singular) is the general process or a message. 'Communications' (plural) typically refers to the systems, technologies, or field of study (e.g., 'satellite communications', 'a degree in communications').
No, the noun 'communication' comes from the verb 'to communicate'. You cannot 'communication' something; you 'communicate' it.
Effective, poor, clear, open, verbal, written, non-verbal, interpersonal, and mass are among the most frequent collocations.
Collections
Part of a collection
Media and Communication
B1 · 50 words · Language for discussing media and communication.
Relationships
B1 · 49 words · Vocabulary for interpersonal and social connections.
Workplace Vocabulary
B1 · 48 words · Professional language for the working environment.
Leadership and Management
B2 · 46 words · Language for leading teams and managing organizations.
Explore