communication

Meanings

1. 1noununcountable

   The sharing of information, ideas or feelings between people, through speech, writing, signals or behavior.

   Grammar: Used without an or a plural for the general process: good communication, not good communications.

   Patterns

   • communication with someone
   • communication between people

   Good communication keeps a team working well together.

   Poor communication led to confusion about the deadline.

   Communication between the two departments has improved.

2. 2nouncountableformal

   A message, letter, call or other piece of information sent to someone.

   Grammar: Countable when it names a single message: a communication from the bank.

   Patterns

   • a communication from someone
   • receive a communication

   She received an official communication from the council this morning.

   The only communication I had from him was a short postcard.

   All communications must be sent in writing.

3. 3nounusually plural

   The methods and systems, such as phones, radio and the internet, used to send information.

   Grammar: Often plural with a plural verb: communications are down.

   Patterns

   • communications network
   • communications satellite

   Storms damaged the communications across the region.

   He works in communications for a mobile phone company.

   A communications satellite relays the signal.

Word forms

Common combinations

effective communication

Effective communication starts with listening.

breakdown in communication

There was a complete breakdown in communication between them.

line of communication

Keep the lines of communication open with your clients.

communication skills

The job requires excellent communication skills.

means of communication

Email is now the main means of communication at work.

Synonyms and how they differ

contact

Contact stresses being in touch with someone, while communication focuses on the information that passes between you.

correspondence

Correspondence is specifically exchanged letters or emails, so it is narrower than communication.

message

A message is one item sent, whereas communication can be the whole process.

dialogue

Dialogue suggests a two-way, often serious conversation, where communication can be one-way.

Opposites

Word family

communicate verb

to share information or feelings

communicative adjective

willing to talk and share ideas

communicator noun

a person who communicates, often skillfully

miscommunication noun

a failure to communicate clearly

Commonly confused: communication or communion?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “communication”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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