communication

communication — noun

1. the exchange of information, thoughts, or feelings between people by speaking, w

1.nounB1
Definition

the exchange of information, thoughts, or feelings between people by speaking, writing, or using body language

Example

When Priya joined the team, she noticed that open communication helped everyone work better together.

uncountable noun; collocation: open communication

Good communication between nurses and patients can reduce anxiety before a medical procedure.

Common collocations
  • open communication
  • clear communication
  • effective communication
  • lack of communication
  • means of communication
  • communication breakdown
Synonyms
  • dialogue

    suggests an exchange aimed at reaching understanding, often between two parties

  • conversation

    refers to a specific spoken exchange, more informal and personal

  • correspondence

    limited to written exchanges, such as letters or emails

  • interaction

    broader term that includes non-verbal and social exchanges beyond information

Antonyms
  • silence

    the absence of any spoken or written exchange

  • miscommunication

    when information is shared but not understood correctly

Usage Note

Typically uncountable in this sense — do not use with an article ("a communication") unless referring to a specific message.

Common Mistakes

I had a good communication with my boss this morning.
I had a good conversation with my boss this morning.' or 'My boss and I communicated well this morning.
When communication is uncountable, it refers to the abstract concept; use 'conversation' for a specific exchange.

2. a written or spoken piece of information sent from one person or group to anothe

2.nounB2
Definition

a written or spoken piece of information sent from one person or group to another, such as a letter, email, or official notice

Example

The bank sent a formal communication confirming that Diego's loan application had been approved.

countable noun; formal register; typical subject: institution

All official communications from the school are now sent by email rather than by post.

Common collocations
  • official communication
  • formal communication
  • written communication
  • receive a communication
  • send a communication
Synonyms
  • message

    less formal and more commonly used in everyday speech

  • correspondence

    suggests an ongoing exchange of letters, more literary

  • dispatch

    a formal or official message, often from a military or news context

Usage Note

Countable — used with an article (a/the) or in plural form. This sense is formal; in everyday conversation, 'message', 'email', or 'letter' are more natural.

Common Mistakes

I sent communication to my friend about dinner plans.
I sent a message to my friend about dinner plans.
Use 'communication' (countable) only in formal contexts like business or official correspondence.

3. the systems and technologies that enable information to be sent over distances,

3.nounB2
Definition

the systems and technologies that enable information to be sent over distances, including telephones, computers, radio, and television

Example

Modern communication technology allows Hana to video-call her family in Japan every weekend.

collocation: communication technology

The earthquake damaged communication networks across the island, cutting off phone and internet services.

Common collocations
  • communication technology
  • communication network
  • communication system
  • satellite communication
  • wireless communication
  • communications industry
Synonyms
  • telecommunications

    specifically refers to electronic transmission over distances; more technical

  • broadcasting

    limited to radio and television transmission to a wide audience

  • media

    broader term that includes content and institutions, not just the technology

Usage Note

Often used in the plural form 'communications' when referring to the infrastructure or industry as a whole (e.g. 'communications sector'). When used as a compound modifier, follows the noun loosely (e.g. 'communications network', 'communications director').

Common Mistakes

The communications is very slow today.
The communication systems are very slow today.' or 'Communications are very slow today.
When referring to infrastructure, 'communications' is treated as plural.

4. the roads, railways, rivers, or other routes that connect places and allow peopl

4.nounB2
Definition

the roads, railways, rivers, or other routes that connect places and allow people or goods to travel

Example

The canal was built in the nineteenth century as a communication route for transporting goods.

collocation: communication route

Heavy rains damaged the communication links between the coastal town and the capital city.

Common collocations
  • communication route
  • communication link
  • communication corridor
  • communication lines
Synonyms
  • transport links

    more common in modern usage; clearer for roads and railways

  • routes

    simpler and more general; lacks the infrastructure nuance

  • connections

    emphasizes the linking function between places

Usage Note

Primarily used in formal or historical writing about transport infrastructure. This sense is less common in everyday speech. In British English, it often appears in plural form 'communications' (e.g. 'the city's communications were cut off by floods').

Common Mistakes

The communication between the two cities is bad.' (when meaning roads)
The communications between the two cities are bad.' or 'The transport links between the two cities are bad.
Use 'communications' (plural) or 'transport links' for clarity.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four words involve two or more people exchanging something, but they differ in scope and context. 'Communication' is the broadest term, encompassing any exchange of information through speech, writing, signals, or body language — it can be one-way (a public announcement) or two-way (a discussion). 'Conversation' is narrower: an informal spoken exchange between two or more people, often social rather than informational (e.g., small talk over coffee). 'Dialogue' suggests a structured or purposeful exchange aimed at understanding, resolution, or exploration of ideas — it is common in political, academic, and diplomatic contexts. 'Correspondence' is limited to written exchanges, especially letters or formal emails sent over time. 'Interaction' covers any mutual or reciprocal action, including non-verbal and social behaviour, making it the most general after 'communication'. For everyday spoken exchange, use 'conversation'; for formal written exchange, use 'correspondence'; for deeper exploration of ideas, use 'dialogue'.

dialogue ↗conversation ↗correspondence ↗interaction ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • means of communication
  • line of communication
  • form of communication
  • mode of communication
  • lack of communication

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

The word 'communication' comes from the Latin noun 'communicatio', meaning 'a sharing or imparting'. This in turn comes from the verb 'communicare' ('to share, to make common'), which is built on 'communis' ('common, public, shared by many'). The core idea has always been about making something known or available to others — whether information, feelings, or goods. Entering English via Old French in the 14th century, it originally referred to the act of sharing or giving a share of something, and by the 16th century it had taken on its modern meaning of exchanging information.