message
A1Neutral to formal; widely used across all registers.
Definition
Meaning
A piece of information, communication, or idea, typically short and often written, spoken, or sent electronically from one person or group to another.
An underlying meaning, theme, or moral point in a work of art, speech, or event. Also used to denote a task or errand.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word primarily denotes communication content. The verb form means 'to send a message (to)' and is often used in electronic contexts. The phrase 'get the message' is idiomatic for understanding an implied meaning.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling is identical. The verb use 'to message (someone)' is slightly more established in American English, but is now standard in both.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties. 'Text' is a more specific synonym for a written message on a phone, increasingly common in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely high and equal frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
N (send/receive/get a ~)V + NP (message someone)Adj + N (urgent message)N + to-INF (a message to inform you)N + that-CL (the message that we are closed)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “get the message”
- “mixed messages”
- “send a clear message”
- “on a message (archaic: on an errand)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used for emails, memos, and official communications. E.g., 'The CEO's message outlined the new strategy.'
Academic
Used to describe the central theme or thesis of a text or argument. E.g., 'The author's primary message concerns social justice.'
Everyday
Refers to texts, voicemails, notes, and casual communication. E.g., 'I got your message about dinner.'
Technical
In computing: a unit of data passed between processes or systems. In semiotics: the communicated information.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I'll message you the details later.
- She messaged the team about the change.
American English
- Message me when you land.
- He messaged the client directly.
adverb
British English
- N/A (No standard adverbial form)
American English
- N/A (No standard adverbial form)
adjective
British English
- The message notification woke me up.
- We offer a message-based support service.
American English
- Check the message thread for the answer.
- It's a message-driven application.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have a message for you.
- She sent a text message.
- Did you get my message?
- Please leave a message after the tone.
- The film has a powerful message about friendship.
- I didn't understand the message of the poem.
- The government's policy sends a confusing message to investors.
- He messaged the group to coordinate the meeting.
- The underlying message of her speech was one of unity.
- Ambiguous messaging from leadership has created uncertainty in the markets.
- The novel's central message was subverted by its ironic tone.
- The software uses a queue to handle inter-process messages asynchronously.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MESSenger who carries a MESSage. Both words share the root 'mess-' relating to sending.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS SENDING (send/receive a message), IDEAS ARE OBJECTS (convey a message), UNDERSTANDING IS GRASPING (get the message).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'message' for 'theme' or 'topic' (тема). Use it for 'communication' (сообщение).
- Do not confuse with 'massage' (массаж) – a common spelling/pronunciation error.
- The Russian 'месседж' is a direct borrowing but is often used in a more narrow, marketing/branding context.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I messaged to him.' Correct: 'I messaged him.'
- Incorrect spelling: 'messege'.
- Overusing 'message' for very long communications; 'letter', 'report', or 'document' may be better.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'message' used in a primarily technical sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes, but it can refer to the core idea of a long work (e.g., 'the message of the book'). For a long formal written piece, 'document' or 'report' is more precise.
'Text' (or 'text message') specifically refers to an SMS or an instant message sent via a phone or app. 'Message' is the broader hypernym and can include emails, voicemails, letters, etc.
Yes, especially since the digital age. 'To message someone' means to send them an electronic message (e.g., text, DM, chat). It is now standard.
It's an idiom meaning contradictory signals or information from the same source, leading to confusion. E.g., 'Saying yes but acting no is sending mixed messages.'
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A2 · 48 words · Everyday technology and digital devices.
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