Word
convey
Phoneticscon·vey, stress on the second syllable
US/kənˈveɪ/
UK/kənvˈeɪ/
Definitions
01to communicate an idea
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to make your ideas, feelings, or thoughts known to other people.
v. to communicate a message, impression, or information, either through language or non-verbal cues.
“The artist used dark colours to convey a sense of sadness in the painting.”
“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'.
Synonyms
02to transport physically
C1 · Advanced Formal
v. to carry or move something from one place to another.
v. to transport or carry goods or materials from one location to another. Transitive; requires a direct object.
“The pipes convey water from the lake to the nearby village.”
“A complex system of conveyor belts was installed to convey the raw ore from the mine entrance directly to the processing plant.”
Teaching tip
In modern English, 'transport' is much more common for people or vehicles; 'convey' is often used for liquids, power, or mechanical systems.
03to transfer property
C2 · Proficiency Law Technical · Formal
v. to legally give the ownership of land or a building to someone else.
v. to transfer the legal title of property or real estate from one person to another.
“The lawyer prepared the documents to convey the house to the new owners.”
“The deed was signed and witnessed to formally convey the ancestral estate to the charitable trust in accordance with the late duke's will.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “convey” in context.
Verb
01. convey information
“The main purpose of the presentation is to convey information about the new project.”
verb + noun
02. convey meaning
“Poets often use metaphors to convey meaning in a more creative way.”
verb + noun
Real-World Examples
“Yet the very nature of these responses suggests that Caroline’s critics understood the political message she was trying to convey.” “Robles later said that the information had not been conveyed via a report.” Etymology
From Middle English conveien, from Old French conveier (French convoyer), from Vulgar Latin *convio, from Classical Latin via (“way”). Compare convoy.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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