Arrived vs. Delivered — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 9, 2024
"Arrived" means reaching a destination, often for people or things, while "delivered" indicates that an item has been successfully brought and handed over to its intended recipient.
Difference Between Arrived and Delivered
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Arrived" refers to the act of reaching a specific destination. It is often used to indicate that someone or something has completed a journey, like a person reaching a vacation spot. On the other hand, "delivered" denotes the final step in the process of moving an item or package, meaning it has been handed over to its intended recipient.
"Arrived" typically implies that the arrival point has been reached, often focusing on the endpoint of travel. In contrast, "delivered" emphasizes the completion of a task, such as a service or package delivery, ensuring the item has been given to the right individual.
"Arrived" can apply to both living beings and inanimate objects. For instance, a person or a shipment might arrive at a location. "Delivered," however, mostly relates to non-human entities, like parcels or services, ensuring that something has been transferred to a receiver.
"Arrived" can convey both literal and metaphorical meanings, such as reaching a physical place or achieving a goal. "Delivered" is primarily used in a literal sense for tangible items or abstract concepts like speeches or promises.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Reaching a destination
Handing over to the intended recipient
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Focus
End of the journey
Completion of delivery process
Subjects
People, objects
Packages, items
Metaphorical Use
Common (e.g., "arrived at success")
Less common
Verb Tense
Past participle/past tense
Past participle/past tense
Compare with Definitions
Arrived
To have emerged or appeared.
The package arrived yesterday.
Delivered
To have given a formal presentation or speech.
The professor delivered a fascinating lecture.
Arrived
To have occurred or happened.
The holiday season has arrived.
Delivered
To have freed or rescued.
The superhero delivered the city from its enemies.
Arrived
To have reached a destination.
They arrived at the airport just in time.
Delivered
To have handed over an item to a recipient.
The courier delivered the package safely.
Arrived
To be achieved or realized.
The company's growth targets were finally arrived at.
Delivered
To have provided a promised service or product.
The team delivered the project on time.
Arrived
To have attained a position or status.
She finally arrived at the level of success she desired.
Delivered
To have met expectations or achieved goals.
The company delivered strong financial results.
Arrived
To reach a destination.
Delivered
Delivered is a 1999 thriller/crime film directed by Guy Ferland. A pizza boy finds a murdered man at his next delivery and becomes the murderer's next intended victim.
Arrived
To come at length; take place
The day of reckoning has arrived.
Delivered
To bring or transport to the proper place or recipient; distribute
Deliver groceries.
Deliver the mail.
Arrived
To achieve success or recognition
He had finally arrived as a designer.
Delivered
To surrender (someone or something) to another; hand over
Delivered the criminal to the police.
Arrived
Simple past tense and past participle of arrive
Delivered
To secure (something promised or desired), as for a candidate or political party
Campaign workers who delivered the ward for the mayor.
Delivered
To throw or hurl
The pitcher delivered the ball.
Delivered
To strike (a blow).
Delivered
To express in words; declare or utter
Deliver a lecture.
Delivered
To give birth to
She delivered a baby boy this morning.
Delivered
To assist or aid in the birth of
The midwife delivered the baby.
Delivered
To assist (a woman) in giving birth
The doctor delivered her of twins.
Delivered
To give forth or produce
An oil well that delivered thousands of barrels a day.
Delivered
To set free, as from captivity, peril, or evil
Deliver a captive from slavery.
Delivered
Simple past tense and past participle of deliver
Delivered
(in combination) That has been, or will be, delivered in a specific manner.
Delivered duty paid;
Delivered ex ship
Common Curiosities
Can "delivered" be used for non-physical objects?
Yes, it's often used for services, speeches, or promises.
What does "arrived" mean?
"Arrived" means reaching a destination or point of achievement.
Is there a relationship between "arrived" and "delivered"?
Yes, "delivered" often follows "arrived" when describing a package's journey, where arrival is reaching a location, and delivery is the final handover.
What does "delivered" mean?
"Delivered" refers to handing over an item or providing a promised service.
Can "arrived" be used metaphorically?
Yes, it can describe achieving a goal or milestone.
Can "delivered" imply a promise fulfilled?
Yes, it can indicate successfully fulfilling a promise, plan, or service.
Is "arrived" only used for physical locations?
No, "arrived" can also signify reaching non-physical goals, like a career achievement.
Does "delivered" imply a specific delivery method?
No, it focuses on the final transfer, regardless of how an item is delivered.
Does "delivered" always imply accuracy?
Not necessarily, but it often suggests that an item or service was provided correctly.
Is "arrived" used in formal writing?
Yes, it's common in both formal and informal contexts.
Is "delivered" only used for tangible items?
No, it is also used metaphorically for speeches, promises, or results.
Is "delivered" used in business communication?
Yes, it's frequently used to describe fulfilling promises, goals, or shipments.
How is "arrived" different from "delivered"?
"Arrived" means reaching a destination, while "delivered" involves completing the process by handing something over to its recipient.
Does "arrived" imply success?
Not always, but it can imply success when reaching a desired goal or position.
Can "arrived" refer to events or seasons?
Yes, it can describe the beginning of periods like holidays or seasons.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
