message
- 01 A1 Beginner
n.a piece of information that you send to someone or leave for them.
n.a communication transmitted between parties, whether written, spoken, or electronic.
Simple“I left a message on her phone because she didn't answer my call.”
In context“The receptionist took a detailed message from the client, ensuring that every specific requirement was noted for the director's review.”
UsageOften used with the verbs 'leave', 'send', or 'get'.
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the most important idea that a book, film, or speech tries to teach.
n.the underlying theme, moral, or social conclusion intended to be conveyed by a creative work or public discourse.
Simple“The movie has a strong message about protecting the environment.”
In context“Critics debated whether the novel's political message was too overt, potentially overshadowing the nuanced development of its central characters.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
n.small tasks or food shopping you do for your home.
n.a regional term for household errands or grocery shopping, typically used in the plural.
Simple“I'm just going into town to do my messages for the week.”
In context“She spent the Saturday morning running messages for her elderly neighbour before starting her own housework.”
UsageAlmost always used in the plural form 'messages'.
Teacher's tipThis usage is specific to Scotland, Ireland, and parts of Northern England; most English speakers will only understand the 'communication' sense.
- 04 A2 Elementary
v.to send someone a written electronic communication, usually on a phone or computer.
v.to transmit an electronic communication to a recipient, typically via instant messaging or SMS.
Simple“I will message you the address of the restaurant later tonight.”
In context“The team members messaged each other constantly throughout the project to coordinate their various tasks and deadlines.”
UsageCan be used transitively with a person as the object or intransitively.
From Middle English message, from Old French message, from Early Medieval Latin missāticum, derived from Latin mittere (“send”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *meyth₂- (“to exchange”). Partially displaced Old English ærende (whence errand).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.