English Reference
noun

communication

n.
US /kəmˌjunəˈkeɪʃən/ UK /kəmjˌuːnɪkˈeɪʃən/ com·mu·ni·ca·tion

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    the act of talking, writing, or using signals to share ideas and feelings.

    the process of exchanging information, thoughts, or messages through speech, writing, or signals.

    Simple

    Good communication is the most important part of a healthy relationship.

    In context

    Effective communication within a large organisation requires clear protocols to ensure that every department remains aligned with the central strategy.

    Pitfall
    The communication between us is very good. Communication between us is very good.

    When talking about the general concept of sharing ideas, 'communication' is usually uncountable and does not need 'the'.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    a specific letter, email, or phone call that gives you information.

    a specific piece of information or a message transmitted from one party to another.

    Simple

    The office received a formal communication from the government this morning.

    In context

    The diplomat awaited a confidential communication from the ministry before proceeding with the sensitive negotiations.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal

    a way of getting from one place to another, like a door or a road.

    a means of access or a physical connection between two places or spaces.

    Simple

    The two rooms have a small door that allows communication between them.

    In context

    The architect designed the building with wide corridors to facilitate easy communication between the various laboratory wings.

  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Technical Medicine

    a natural connection between two parts of the body, like organs or blood vessels.

    a connection or opening between two tissues, organs, or anatomical cavities.

    Simple

    The doctor checked for any communication between the two heart chambers.

    In context

    The surgical team identified an abnormal communication between the artery and the vein, which required immediate corrective intervention.

    junctionanastomosis

Usage communication disruptions · communication channel · communication medium


Inherited from Middle English comunicacioun, communicacion (“discussion, association”), from Old French communicacion, from Latin commūnicātiōnem, accusative singular of commūnicātiō (“imparting, communicating”), from commūnicō (“to share, to impart”). Morphologically communicate + -ion.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin commūnicātiōnem
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated