communicate
gb/kəmjˈunɪkˌeɪt/ us/kəmjˈunɪkˌeɪt/
A2
English
~ 3000
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B1
action
1
share information or ideas
To tell someone information or ideas in words, writing, or other ways.
Usage pattern:
to communicate [something] to [someone]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'communicate' with 'talk' — 'communicate' can be broader and include writing, signs, or technology.
Synonyms
convey (Slightly more formal; often used for transmitting specific information or messages.)
Antonyms
withhold (Means to deliberately not give information or feelings to others.)
Collocations
communicate clearly
|communicate effectively
|communicate directly
|communicate regularly
Themes
daily life
|business
|education
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She used email to communicate the new policy to all employees.
- The teacher communicates complex ideas in a simple way.
- We need to communicate our expectations clearly to avoid confusion.
- He communicated his concerns directly to the manager.
Learner examples
- I communicate with my parents every day.
- Please communicate your needs to the team.
- She communicates well with children.
- We communicate by phone when I travel.
Verb
A2
action
2
exchange information successfully
To understand each other and share ideas or feelings.
Usage pattern:
to communicate with [someone]
Common mistake:
Some learners think 'communicate' always needs a direct object, but it can be used without one when focusing on mutual exchange.
Synonyms
interact (Focuses more on the general act of acting together, not just exchanging information.)
Antonyms
misunderstand (Indicates failing to exchange or understand information correctly.)
Collocations
communicate with animals
|communicate easily
|communicate well
Themes
daily life
|relationships
|communication
Examples
- Even without speaking the language, we managed to communicate with gestures.
- Dolphins can communicate with each other over long distances.
- It's important for couples to communicate openly.
Learner examples
- I communicate with my friends on social media.
- We can communicate without words.
- They communicate well as a team.
Verb
technical
B2
action
3
transfer heat, sound, etc.
To carry heat, sound, or electricity from one place to another.
Usage pattern:
to communicate [heat/sound/etc.] through [something]
Synonyms
transmit (Common in technical or scientific settings for sending energy or signals.)
Antonyms
block (To stop the movement of heat, sound, or electricity.)
Collocations
communicate heat
|communicate vibrations
Themes
science
|technology
Examples
- Metal communicates heat quickly.
- The design communicates vibrations through the frame.
- Sound is communicated through the walls.
Learner examples
- Metal communicates heat fast.
- The wall communicates sound between rooms.
- This wire communicates electricity.
Verb
formal
C1
action
4
connect rooms or places
To join rooms or places so people can go from one to another.
Usage pattern:
[place] communicates with [place]
Synonyms
adjoin (Focuses on being next to each other; may not imply an open passage.)
Antonyms
separate (Indicates there is no connecting passage between places.)
Collocations
rooms communicate
|hallway communicates
Themes
architecture
|housing
|space
Examples
- The kitchen communicates with the dining room through a wide archway.
- Our office communicates directly with the conference hall.
- The rooms communicate via a narrow corridor.
Learner examples
- The living room communicates with the kitchen.
- My bedroom communicates with the bathroom.
- Two offices communicate by a door.
Grammar
Dictionary form
communicate
IPA
GB/kəmjˈunɪkˌeɪt/
US/kəmjˈunɪkˌeɪt/
Syllables & stress
com - mu - nic - ate (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (mu)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: communicate
- 3rd Person Singular: communicates
- Present Participle: communicating
- Past: communicated
Word family
Forms
communicates
verb
communicating
verb
communicated
verb
Core family
communication
noun A2
communicative
adjective B2
Related words
communicator
noun
Negative and opposite forms
miscommunication
noun
uncommunicative
adjective
Advanced or less common
communicable
adjective
Expressions
communicate an idea
1/kəmjˈunɪkˌeɪt ən aɪdˈiə/
fixed phrase
express a thought clearly
To tell someone your thought in a way they understand.
Examples
- He communicated his idea during the meeting.
- It’s hard to communicate an idea without examples.
communicate clearly
1/kəmjˈunɪkˌeɪt klˈɪɹli/
fixed phrase
express information clearly
To say or write something so that it is easy for people to understand.
Examples
- Good leaders communicate clearly with their staff.
- He didn’t communicate clearly, so people misunderstood.
communicate with someone
1/kəmjˈunɪkˌeɪt wˈɪθ sˈʌmwˌʌn/
fixed phrase
exchange information with a person
To share ideas, information, or feelings with another person.
Examples
- I try to communicate with my team every day.
- She communicates with her family by video calls.
communicate effectively
1/kəmjˈunɪkˌeɪt ɪfˈɛktɪvli/
fixed phrase
share information successfully
To give information in a way that people understand well.
Examples
- Managers must communicate effectively with their staff.
- Teachers must learn how to communicate effectively.
- She communicates more effectively in writing than speaking.
- We need to communicate effectively during emergencies.