First Known Use: 1526
Dictionary
communicate
verb com·mu·ni·cate \kə-ˈmyü-nə-ˌkāt\
: to give information about (something) to someone by speaking, writing, moving your hands, etc.
: to get someone to understand your thoughts or feelings
medical : to pass (a disease) from one person or animal to another
com·mu·ni·cat·edcom·mu·ni·cat·ing
Full Definition of COMMUNICATE
transitive verb
1
archaic : share
2
a : to convey knowledge of or information about : make known <communicate a story> b : to reveal by clear signs <his fear communicated itself to his friends>
3
: to cause to pass from one to another <some diseases are easily communicated>
intransitive verb
1
: to receive Communion
2
: to transmit information, thought, or feeling so that it is satisfactorily received or understood <two sides failing to communicate with each other>
3
: to open into each other : connect <the rooms communicate>
— com·mu·ni·ca·tee \-ˌmyü-ni-kə-ˈtē\ noun
— com·mu·ni·ca·tor \-ˈmyü-nə-ˌkā-tər\ noun
See communicate defined for English-language learners
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Origin of COMMUNICATE
Latin communicatus, past participle of communicare to impart, participate, from communis common — more at mean
Rhymes with COMMUNICATE
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COMMUNICATE Defined for Kids
communicate
verb com·mu·ni·cate \kə-ˈmyü-nə-ˌkāt\
com·mu·ni·cat·edcom·mu·ni·cat·ing
Definition of COMMUNICATE for Kids
1
: to get in touch <“… we won't be able to communicate. The mail is unpredictable …” — Pam Muñoz Ryan, Esperanza Rising>
2
: to make known <I communicated my needs to the nurse.>
3
: to pass (as a disease) from one to another : spread
Medical Dictionary
communicate
transitive verb com·mu·ni·cate \kə-ˈmyü-nə-ˌkāt\
com·mu·ni·cat·edcom·mu·ni·cat·ing
Medical Definition of COMMUNICATE
: to cause to pass from one to another <some diseases are easily communicated>
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