convey
To communicate or make an idea, feeling, or meaning known.
Examples
In a meeting
“The report should convey the urgency of the situation to leadership.”
Over coffee
“I was trying to convey that I wasn't interested without being rude.”
Why this word
communicate
convey emphasizes successful transmission of specific meaning or information, while communicate is broader exchange
tell
convey suggests ensuring meaning reaches recipient effectively, while tell is simply informing
show
convey can apply to abstract ideas and feelings through any medium, while show is more visual demonstration
Usage tip
More about the transfer of meaning than the act of speaking. You convey ideas, feelings, and impressions.
Etymology
Old French conveier — from Latin conviare — com (together) + via (way, road)
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Related words
broach
To bring up or introduce a topic for discussion
concise
Giving a lot of information clearly in few words.
ambiguous
Open to more than one interpretation; not clear or decided.
reiterate
To say something again for emphasis or clarity.
paraphrase
To restate something in different words to make it clearer or shorter.
explicit
Stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion or doubt.