message
gb/mˈɛsɪd͡ʒ/ us/mˈɛsɪd͡ʒ/
A2
English
~ 1200
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
Information sent to someone
Words or information that you send to someone.
Usage pattern:
send [someone] a message
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'message' with 'massage' due to similar pronunciation.
Synonyms
communication (General term for the act of sharing information; less specific about the format.)
|
note (Usually refers to a short written message.)
Antonyms
silence (The absence of any communication or message.)
Collocations
send a message
|receive a message
|text message
|leave a message
|private message
Themes
communication
|technology
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I got a message from my boss this morning.
- Please leave a message after the beep.
- She sent me a text message to confirm our meeting.
- I didn't receive your message until late last night.
- He wrote a quick message on a sticky note.
Learner examples
- I got a message from my friend.
- Please send me a message.
- She left a message on my phone.
- I read your message this morning.
Noun
B1
entity
2
Main idea or meaning
The main idea that someone wants to say in their words, art, or actions.
Usage pattern:
the message of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'message' here with 'plot' or 'theme'; 'message' is the idea, not the sequence of events.
Synonyms
meaning (Broad term for what something communicates; can be more abstract.)
|
moral (A lesson about right and wrong; often used for stories.)
Antonyms
misinterpretation (Failure to understand the intended meaning.)
Collocations
understand the message
|send a clear message
|hidden message
|moral message
Themes
communication
|media
|education
|arts_entertainment
Examples
- The movie's message was about the importance of friendship.
- Her speech carried a powerful political message.
- I think the message of this book is hope.
- They wanted to send a clear message to their competitors.
- The song's message resonated with many young people.
Learner examples
- The story has a good message.
- The message of this movie is love.
- I like the message in this song.
- The teacher gave us an important message about helping others.
Verb
B1
action
3
Send information to someone
To send words or information to someone, often by phone or computer.
Usage pattern:
message [someone] [something]
Common mistake:
Some learners incorrectly use 'message' as a noun when they mean the verb form, e.g., 'I will send you a message' vs. 'I will message you'.
Synonyms
text (Specifically refers to sending an SMS; more colloquial.)
|
email (Specifically refers to sending an electronic mail; more formal context.)
Antonyms
ignore (To deliberately not reply or send any communication.)
Collocations
message a friend
|message me later
|message directly
Themes
communication
|technology
Examples
- I'll message you the details later.
- She messaged her colleague about the meeting change.
- Can you message me when you arrive?
- They messaged all the participants with updates.
Learner examples
- I will message you tomorrow.
- Please message me when you are ready.
- He messaged his friend about the party.
- Can you message her now?
Grammar
Dictionary form
message
IPA
GB/mˈɛsɪd͡ʒ/
US/mˈɛsɪd͡ʒ/
Syllables & stress
mes - sage (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (mes)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: message
- Plural: message, messages
Verb
- Base: message
- 3rd Person Singular: messages
- Present Participle: messaging
- Past: messaged
Word family
Forms
messages
noun
messaging
verb
messaged
verb
Core family
messenger
noun A2
Expressions
get the message
1/ɡˈɛt ðə mˈɛsɪd͡ʒ/
idiom
informal
Understand indirect communication
To understand what someone means, often without them saying it directly.
Examples
- He finally got the message and stopped calling her.
- I think they got the message after we refused twice.
leave a message
1/lˈiv ə mˈɛsɪd͡ʒ/
fixed phrase
Record info for absent person
To say or write information for someone who is not there at that time.
Examples
- Please leave a message after the tone.
- I left a message on her voicemail.
mixed messages
1/mˈɪkst mˈɛsɪd͡ʒɪz/
fixed phrase
Confusing communication signals
When someone's words or actions give different ideas and make you unsure what they mean.
Examples
- He's been giving me mixed messages about whether he wants to join us.
- The government's statements are sending mixed messages to the public.
mixed messages
1/mˈɪkst mˈɛsɪd͡ʒɪz/
fixed phrase
signals that contradict each other
Different messages that don’t agree with each other.
Examples
- He says he wants to help, but his actions send mixed messages.
- We’re getting mixed messages from management about deadlines.
- Her tone was friendly, but her words gave mixed messages.
send a clear message
1/sˈɛnd ə klˈɪɹ mˈɛsɪd͡ʒ/
fixed phrase
Communicate without doubt
To say or do something so that people understand exactly what you mean.
Examples
- The new law sends a clear message that corruption will not be tolerated.
- Her resignation sends a clear message to management.
shoot the messenger
1/ʃˈut ðə mˈɛsɪnd͡ʒɚ/
idiom
informal
Blame bearer of bad news
To get angry with the person who tells you bad news, not the person who caused it.
Examples
- Don't shoot the messenger—I’m just telling you what I heard.
- She shot the messenger when I told her about the budget cuts.
shoot the messenger
2/ʃˈut ðə mˈɛsɪnd͡ʒɚ/
idiom
Blame bearer of bad news
To be angry at the person who tells you bad news, instead of the person or thing that caused it.
Examples
- Don't shoot the messenger—I'm just telling you what happened.
- She shot the messenger when I told her about the budget cuts.