communication
communication — noun
1. the exchange of information, thoughts, or feelings between people by speaking, w
the exchange of information, thoughts, or feelings between people by speaking, writing, or using body language
When Priya joined the team, she noticed that open communication helped everyone work better together.
uncountable noun; collocation: open communication
Good communication between nurses and patients can reduce anxiety before a medical procedure.
Theo learned that clear communication with his classmates made group projects much easier.
A lack of communication between the two offices delayed the shipment by a week.
Effective communication does not just mean speaking; it also means listening carefully to others.
- dialogue
suggests an exchange aimed at reaching understanding, often between two parties
- conversation
refers to a specific spoken exchange, more informal and personal
- correspondence
limited to written exchanges, such as letters or emails
- interaction
broader term that includes non-verbal and social exchanges beyond information
- silence
the absence of any spoken or written exchange
- miscommunication
when information is shared but not understood correctly
用法筆記
Typically uncountable in this sense — do not use with an article ("a communication") unless referring to a specific message.
常見錯誤
2. a written or spoken piece of information sent from one person or group to anothe
a written or spoken piece of information sent from one person or group to another, such as a letter, email, or official notice
The bank sent a formal communication confirming that Diego's loan application had been approved.
countable noun; formal register; typical subject: institution
All official communications from the school are now sent by email rather than by post.
Leila received a brief communication from the hospital with details of her appointment.
The manager's communication to the staff outlined the new safety rules for the factory.
An official communication from the government warned citizens about the approaching storm.
- message
less formal and more commonly used in everyday speech
- correspondence
suggests an ongoing exchange of letters, more literary
- dispatch
a formal or official message, often from a military or news context
用法筆記
Countable — used with an article (a/the) or in plural form. This sense is formal; in everyday conversation, 'message', 'email', or 'letter' are more natural.
常見錯誤
3. the systems and technologies that enable information to be sent over distances,
the systems and technologies that enable information to be sent over distances, including telephones, computers, radio, and television
Modern communication technology allows Hana to video-call her family in Japan every weekend.
collocation: communication technology
The earthquake damaged communication networks across the island, cutting off phone and internet services.
Satellite communication helps rescue workers coordinate their efforts in remote mountain areas.
Advances in wireless communication have made it possible for people to work from almost anywhere.
The company provides secure communication systems for government agencies to share sensitive data.
- telecommunications
specifically refers to electronic transmission over distances; more technical
- broadcasting
limited to radio and television transmission to a wide audience
- media
broader term that includes content and institutions, not just the technology
用法筆記
Often used in the plural form 'communications' when referring to the infrastructure or industry as a whole (e.g. 'communications sector'). When used as a compound modifier, follows the noun loosely (e.g. 'communications network', 'communications director').
常見錯誤
4. the roads, railways, rivers, or other routes that connect places and allow peopl
the roads, railways, rivers, or other routes that connect places and allow people or goods to travel
The canal was built in the nineteenth century as a communication route for transporting goods.
collocation: communication route
Heavy rains damaged the communication links between the coastal town and the capital city.
The rail network serves as the main communication corridor for passengers traveling across the region.
Mountain roads provide the only communication links between the villages and the nearest hospital.
The government invested in new communication routes to connect rural farming areas with ports.
- transport links
more common in modern usage; clearer for roads and railways
- routes
simpler and more general; lacks the infrastructure nuance
- connections
emphasizes the linking function between places
用法筆記
Primarily used in formal or historical writing about transport infrastructure. This sense is less common in everyday speech. In British English, it often appears in plural form 'communications' (e.g. 'the city's communications were cut off by floods').