What does "communication" mean?

1. (sharing information) the act of talking, writing, or using signals to share ideas and feelings. 2. (a message) a specific letter, email, or phone call that gives you information. 3. (physical connection) a way of getting from one place to another, like a door or a road. 4. (biological connection) a natural connection between two parts of the body, like organs or blood vessels.

communication — meaning, definition & examples

Q: Is it correct to say "The communication between us is very good."?

No — say "Communication between us is very good.". When talking about the general concept of sharing ideas, 'communication' is usually uncountable and does not need 'the'.

Word

01sharing information

B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun

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

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

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

“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'.

Synonyms

interaction contact correspondence

Antonyms

silence isolation

02a message

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Formal

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

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

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

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

Synonyms

message dispatch notice

03physical connection

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal

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

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

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

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

Synonyms

connection link passage

Antonyms

blockage separation

04biological connection

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Medicine Technical

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

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

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

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

Synonyms

junctionanastomosis

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “communication” in context.

Adjective

01. effective communication

“Effective communication is the key to a successful relationship.”

adj + noun

02. electronic communication

“Most business is now conducted through electronic communication like email and chat.”

adj + noun

Noun

03. communication channel

“Email is the primary communication channel used in our office.”

noun + noun

04. communication medium

“Video calls have become a popular communication medium for remote teams.”

noun + noun

05. communication network

“The storm caused a major failure in the local communication network.”

noun + noun

06. communication pattern

“Researchers studied the communication pattern between parents and their children.”

noun + noun

07. communication problem

“A simple communication problem led to a misunderstanding about the meeting time.”

noun + noun

08. communication process

“Listening is a vital part of the communication process.”

noun + noun

09. communication skill

“Good communication skill is essential for anyone working in customer service.”

noun + noun

10. communication system

“The company is upgrading its internal communication system to improve efficiency.”

noun + noun

11. communication technology

“Modern communication technology allows us to stay connected with people across the globe.”

noun + noun

12. communication tool

“Social media is a powerful communication tool for spreading news quickly.”

noun + noun

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.

VERB

communicate(A2)

communicating(A2)

NOUN

communication(B1)

ADJECTIVE

assertiveness community knowledge