the act of sharing information, ideas, or feelings with other people so they can understand you
Good communication helps teams solve problems quickly.
Babies use crying as their first form of communication.
✦ From Latin communicatio meaning ‘a sharing’ or ‘imparting’, derived from communicare ‘to share, to make common’.
a message, letter, email, or other piece of information that is sent from one person or place to another
We received an urgent communication from the school about tomorrow's schedule.
The scientist published a brief communication in the journal.
✦ Same origin as primary sense: Latin communicatio. The meaning ‘message’ developed in English in the 17th century.
the systems, equipment, or technology used for sending information such as phone, radio, or internet
The company invested in satellite communications to reach remote areas.
The army relies on secure communications during missions.
✦ The plural sense arose in the 19th century alongside new electric and radio technologies that allowed information to travel long distances.
failure to communicate clearly, which can cause confusion or misunderstanding.
A miscommunication between the doctor and patient led to the wrong medication being prescribed.
The two friends resolved their argument after realizing it was just a miscommunication.
✦ Formed by adding the prefix "mis-" meaning "wrong" or "badly" to "communication."
