deliver
C1Neutral, used across formal, informal, business, and academic contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To bring and hand over something to the intended recipient.
To provide or achieve a promised result, service, or performance; to give birth; to free or save.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb is polysemous, covering concrete actions (bringing parcels), abstract achievements (providing results), medical contexts (birth), and liberating actions (saving from danger). It often implies fulfilling a promise or obligation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK English, 'deliver to' can be used more widely for services or speeches. In US sports contexts, 'deliver' is very common for clutch performances.
Connotations
In US business, 'deliver' heavily implies measurable results. In UK English, it can retain a slightly more formal, 'handing over' connotation.
Frequency
Very high frequency in both, slightly more prevalent in US corporate jargon ('we need to deliver on our KPIs').
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
SVOO: She delivered him the parcel.SVO: The courier delivers packages.SVO+A (to/for): We deliver to your home.SV (abstract): The new manager finally delivered.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Deliver the goods”
- “Signed, sealed, and delivered”
- “Deliver a knockout blow”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
To achieve promised results or outputs. E.g., 'The team must deliver the project on time.'
Academic
To present or give (a lecture, paper). E.g., 'She will deliver the keynote address.'
Everyday
To bring items like post or shopping. E.g., 'The pizza will be delivered in 30 minutes.'
Technical
In medicine: to assist in childbirth. In computing: to transmit data packets.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The postman delivers before noon.
- She delivered a brilliant lecture at the Royal Society.
- Can you deliver this to the Windsor office?
- The midwife delivered the baby safely.
American English
- UPS delivers packages on Sundays.
- The pitcher delivered a perfect fastball.
- We need a candidate who can deliver under pressure.
- She delivered a stunning performance on Broadway.
adverb
British English
- The furniture was delivered free.
- Goods are delivered direct to site.
American English
- The pizza was delivered hot.
- Services are delivered remotely.
adjective
British English
- The delivered price includes VAT.
- Please confirm the delivered condition of the goods.
American English
- The delivered cost is final.
- Check the delivered items against the invoice.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The shop will deliver our new table.
- The postman delivers letters every day.
- He promised to deliver the report by Friday.
- She delivered a short talk at the meeting.
- The government failed to deliver on its election pledges.
- It's a challenging role, but I'm confident she will deliver.
- The consultant was hired to deliver a transformational change programme.
- The barrister delivered a compelling closing argument to the jury.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a DELIVERY van: it DE-LIVERS (takes FROM the LIVERY/stable) packages TO you.
Conceptual Metaphor
RESULTS ARE PACKAGES (to be delivered), SPEECHES ARE OBJECTS (to be handed to an audience).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not use 'deliver' for 'tell' or 'say' (e.g., 'He delivered the news' is okay, but 'He delivered that he is tired' is wrong).
- Avoid confusing with 'supply' (дос-а-влять) for ongoing provision; 'deliver' is a single/complete act.
- In Russian, 'выполнить' is a close match for abstract 'deliver (results)', not 'доставить'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect preposition: 'deliver on' a promise, but 'deliver' a parcel *to* someone.
- Using it intransitively where an object is needed: 'The company delivers' is vague; better 'The company delivers results/software'.
- Confusing 'deliver' (bring/achieve) with 'delivery' (the process or the act of giving birth).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'deliver' used INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's commonly used for abstract things like results, performances, speeches, and services.
'Deliver' focuses on the end point (to a recipient). 'Distribute' focuses on spreading items among many points or people.
Yes, in formal or literary contexts, e.g., 'deliver us from evil'. It's less common in everyday speech.
It is neutral. It fits in formal contexts (deliver a verdict) and informal ones (deliver a pizza).