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convey

v.
US //kənˈveɪ// UK //kənvˈeɪ// con·vey
  1. 1 to communicate an idea (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to make your ideas, feelings, or thoughts known to other people.

    to communicate a message, impression, or information, either through language or non-verbal cues.

    Example

    The artist used dark colours to convey a sense of sadness in the painting.

    Example

    The CEO's speech was carefully drafted to convey confidence to the shareholders without making any concrete promises about the next quarter.

    Usage

    Often used with abstract nouns like 'message', 'meaning', 'impression', or 'feeling'.
  2. 2 to transport physically (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    to carry or move something from one place to another.

    to transport or carry goods or materials from one location to another. Transitive; requires a direct object.

    Example

    The pipes convey water from the lake to the nearby village.

    Example

    A complex system of conveyor belts was installed to convey the raw ore from the mine entrance directly to the processing plant.

    Teacher's tip

    In modern English, 'transport' is much more common for people or vehicles; 'convey' is often used for liquids, power, or mechanical systems.
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  1. 3 to transfer property (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Formal Law

    to legally give the ownership of land or a building to someone else.

    to transfer the legal title of property or real estate from one person to another.

    Example

    The lawyer prepared the documents to convey the house to the new owners.

    Example

    The deed was signed and witnessed to formally convey the ancestral estate to the charitable trust in accordance with the late duke's will.
Origin

From Middle English conveien, from Old French conveier (French convoyer), from Vulgar Latin *convio, from Classical Latin via (“way”). Compare convoy.

Word family

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