Convey

verb /kənˈveɪ/ — To communicate something — a feeling, an idea, a message.

Definition

To make an idea, feeling, or impression known or understood; to communicate successfully.

Beyond the definition

Convey is the bridge between having an idea and someone else understanding it. A good design conveys a feeling. A good speech conveys an argument. A good apology conveys sincerity. The word is about the gap between intent and reception.

Origin & history

From Old French conveier — to escort, to carry (com- 'together' + via 'way'). Carrying something along a path to its destination.

Example sentences

Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.

Her tone conveyed frustration even though her words were polite.

The documentary conveys the scale of the problem better than any article could.

He struggled to convey how much the experience had affected him.

How to use it

This entry uses a verb. Follow the examples for tense and any objects or prepositions it needs.

Choose “Convey” when the meaning fits your context: To make an idea, feeling, or impression known or understood; to communicate successfully.

Synonyms

communicate, express, transmit, impart, signal

Antonyms

conceal, hide, withhold

Related words

Word in the Wild

See how this word appears in life, language and stories.

Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.

Fictional scene

Natural Conversation in Café

Conceptual illustration: An adult sits at a wooden table in a busy, warm, local café, chatting with a friend. They are speaking with their hands, and their expressions are relaxed, genuine, and comfortable.

Two friends chat in a busy local café, using animated hand gestures and relaxed expressions to share their thoughts and experiences.

The friends are using gestures and facial expressions to effectively convey their impressions and feelings. This interaction captures the communication of ideas and emotional states in a natural, unpretentious setting, making their shared understanding clear through their physical presence and active speaking.

Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration

Questions about this word

What does "Convey" mean?

Convey is verb meaning: To communicate something — a feeling, an idea, a message.. To make an idea, feeling, or impression known or understood; to communicate successfully.

Where does the word "Convey" come from?

From Old French conveier — to escort, to carry (com- 'together' + via 'way'). Carrying something along a path to its destination.

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