Meaning & use
delivered
Last updated
“delivered” is a form of “deliver”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
verbtransitive
taken and given to a person or place, especially mail or goods
Grammar: Passive and past forms are common: The package was delivered yesterday.
Patterns
- deliver something to someone
- deliver something by hand
- be delivered
The letter was delivered to the wrong address.
Fresh vegetables are delivered to the restaurant every morning.
Your order has been delivered and is waiting at the front desk.
verbtransitive
gave a speech, lesson, or performance in front of people
Grammar: Often used for formal talks or official statements: deliver a speech.
Patterns
- deliver a speech
- deliver a lecture
- deliver a verdict
She delivered a powerful speech at the graduation ceremony.
The professor delivered the same lecture to two different classes.
The judge delivered the verdict after a long trial.
verbintransitive
did what was promised or expected
Grammar: Often used in business or sports: The team delivered when it mattered.
Patterns
- deliver on a promise
- deliver results
- deliver for someone
The company promised to improve service, and it delivered.
He delivered on his promise to finish the project early.
The players delivered for their fans in the final minutes.
Word forms
| base form | deliver |
|---|---|
| third person singular | delivers |
| past tense | delivered |
| past participle | delivered |
| -ing form | delivering |
Common combinations
- delivered by hand
- The invitation was delivered by hand to every guest.
- delivered on time
- The furniture was delivered on time and in perfect condition.
- delivered to your door
- Groceries can be delivered to your door within an hour.
- delivered a speech
- The mayor delivered a speech about the new park.
- delivered a baby
- The doctor delivered the baby safely at midnight.
Synonyms and how they differ
- sent
- Sent means it was dispatched, but it may not have arrived yet; delivered means it reached the person or place.
- handed over
- Handed over is more physical and direct, often used when someone gives something personally.
- provided
- Provided is broader and can mean supplied without moving goods, as in provided information.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: delivered or deliverance? delivered or deliver?
delivered vs deliverance
Deliverance is a noun meaning rescue or freedom, not the act of bringing goods.
delivered vs deliver
Deliver is the base form; delivered is the past tense and past participle.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence.
Choose one answer.
We say delivered to a place or person. At, in, and on do not fit this pattern for receiving goods.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “delivered”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.