Ask Difference

Communicate vs. Communication — What's the Difference?

Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 28, 2024
Communicate involves the act of sharing information, thoughts, or feelings, while communication is the method or system used for this exchange.
Communicate vs. Communication — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Communicate and Communication

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Key Differences

Communicate is a verb that describes the process of conveying information or expressing ideas and emotions to another party. On the other hand, communication refers to the broader concept of the means and systems through which this exchange takes place.
When individuals communicate, they participate actively in the process of sending or receiving messages, using various forms of communication such as verbal, non-verbal, or written methods. Whereas communication encompasses all aspects and methods, including the tools and channels used for transmitting messages.
Effective communication often depends on the ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Whereas, communication itself includes understanding the various barriers that might affect how the message is received and processed.
Communicate can take various forms, such as speaking, writing, or signaling. On the other hand, communication includes not only these actions but also the context, environment, and feedback mechanisms involved.
In business settings, employees are often encouraged to communicate openly to foster a healthy workplace. Conversely, communication in such contexts includes not just dialogue but also the policies and systems that facilitate this exchange.
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Comparison Chart

Part of Speech

Verb
Noun

Focus

Act of transmitting information
Means and systems used for exchange

Involvement

Requires an active role in sending or receiving
Encompasses all aspects, including barriers

Methods

Speaking, writing, signaling
Verbal, non-verbal, written, digital

Usage in Context

Direct involvement in interaction
Broader concept, includes tools and channels

Compare with Definitions

Communicate

To transmit information through certain channels.
The soldiers communicated through hand signals.

Communication

The imparting or exchanging of information or news.
The communication of facts was crucial for the project.

Communicate

To share or exchange information, news, or ideas.
She communicated her plans to the team via email.

Communication

Means of connection between people or places, in particular.
Modern technology facilitates rapid communication.

Communicate

To be connected, allowing passage or transfer.
These rooms communicate with each other through a doorway.

Communication

The successful conveying or sharing of ideas and feelings.
Effective communication is key to resolving conflicts.

Communicate

To convey thoughts or feelings clearly.
He communicates effectively in meetings.

Communication

A letter or message containing information or news.
I received a communication from the company.

Communicate

To express oneself in a way that is clearly understood.
The artist communicates deep emotions through his paintings.

Communication

The field of study concerned with the transmission of information.
She studied communication at the university.

Communicate

To convey information about; make known; impart
Communicated his views to our office.

Communication

Communication (from Latin communicare, meaning "to share"or "to be in relation with") is "an apparent answer to the painful divisions between self and other, private and public, and inner thought and outer word." As this definition indicates, communication is difficult to define in a consistent manner, because it is commonly used to refer to a wide range of different behaviors (broadly: "the transfer of information"), or to limit what can be included in the category of communication (for example, requiring a "conscious intent" to persuade). John Peters argues the difficulty of defining communication emerges from the fact that communication is both a universal phenomena (because everyone communicates), and a specific discipline of institutional academic study.One possible definition of communication is the act of developing meaning among entities or groups through the use of sufficiently mutually understood signs, symbols, and semiotic conventions.

Communicate

To reveal clearly; manifest
Her disapproval communicated itself in her frown.

Communication

The act of communicating; transmission.

Communicate

To spread (a disease, for example) to others; transmit
A carrier who communicated typhus.

Communication

The exchange of thoughts, messages, or information, as by speech, signals, writing, or behavior.

Communicate

To have an interchange, as of ideas.

Communication

Interpersonal rapport.

Communicate

To express oneself in such a way that one is readily and clearly understood
"That ability to communicate was strange in a man given to long, awkward silences" (Anthony Lewis).

Communication

The art and technique of using words effectively to impart information or ideas.

Communicate

(Ecclesiastical) To receive Communion.

Communication

The field of study concerned with the transmission of information by various means, such as print or broadcasting.

Communicate

To be connected, one with another
Apartments that communicate.

Communication

Any of various professions involved with the transmission of information, such as advertising, broadcasting, or journalism.

Communicate

To impart

Communication

Something communicated; a message.

Communicate

(transitive) To impart or transmit (information or knowledge) to someone; to make known, to tell.
It is vital that I communicate this information to you.

Communication

A system, such as mail, telephone, or television, for sending and receiving messages.

Communicate

(transitive) To impart or transmit (an intangible quantity, substance); to give a share of.
To communicate motion by means of a crank

Communication

A network of routes for sending messages and transporting troops and supplies.

Communicate

(transitive) To pass on (a disease) to another person, animal etc.
The disease was mainly communicated via rats and other vermin.

Communication

Communications The technology employed in transmitting messages.

Communicate

To share

Communication

(Biology) The transfer of information from one molecule, cell, or organism to another, as by chemical or electrical signals or by behaviors.

Communicate

To share (in); to have in common, to partake of.
We shall now consider those functions of intelligence which man communicates with the higher beasts.

Communication

An opening or connecting passage between two structures.

Communicate

To receive the bread and wine at a celebration of the Eucharist; to take part in Holy Communion.

Communication

A joining or connecting of solid fibrous structures, such as tendons and nerves.

Communicate

To administer the Holy Communion to (someone).

Communication

The act or fact of communicating anything; transmission.
Communication of smallpox
Communication of a secret

Communicate

(intransitive) To express or convey ideas, either through verbal or nonverbal means; to have intercourse, to exchange information.
Many deaf people communicate with sign language.
I feel I hardly know him; I just wish he'd communicate with me a little more.

Communication

(uncountable) The concept or state of exchanging data or information between entities.
Some say that communication is a necessary prerequisite for sentience; others say that it is a result thereof.
The node had established communication with the network, but had as yet sent no data.

Communicate

(intransitive) To be connected with (another room, vessel etc.) by means of an opening or channel.
The living room communicates with the back garden by these French windows.

Communication

A message; the essential data transferred in an act of communication.
Surveillance was accomplished by means of intercepting the spies' communications.

Communicate

To share in common; to participate in.
To thousands that communicate our loss.

Communication

The body of all data transferred to one or both parties during an act of communication.
The subpoena required that the company document their communication with the plaintiff.

Communicate

To impart; to bestow; to convey; as, to communicate a disease or a sensation; to communicate motion by means of a crank.
Where God is worshiped, there he communicates his blessings and holy influences.

Communication

An instance of information transfer; a conversation or discourse.
The professors' communications consisted of lively discussions via email.

Communicate

To make known; to recount; to give; to impart; as, to communicate information to any one.

Communication

A passageway or opening between two locations; connection.
A round archway at the far end of the hallway provided communication to the main chamber.

Communicate

To administer the communion to.
She [the church] . . . may communicate him.
He communicated those thoughts only with the Lord Digby.

Communication

(anatomy) A connection between two tissues, organs, or cavities.

Communicate

To share or participate; to possess or enjoy in common; to have sympathy.
Ye did communicate with my affliction.

Communication

(obsolete) Association; company.

Communicate

To give alms, sympathy, or aid.
To do good and to communicate forget not.

Communication

Participation in Holy Communion.

Communicate

To have intercourse or to be the means of intercourse; as, to communicate with another on business; to be connected; as, a communicating artery.
Subjects suffered to communicate and to have intercourse of traffic.
The whole body is nothing but a system of such canals, which all communicate with one another.

Communication

(rhetoric) A trope by which a speaker assumes that his hearer is a partner in his sentiments, and says "we" instead of "I" or "you".

Communicate

To partake of the Lord's supper; to commune.
The primitive Christians communicated every day.

Communication

The act or fact of communicating; as, communication of smallpox; communication of a secret.

Communicate

Transmit information ;
Please communicate this message to all employees

Communication

Intercourse by words, letters, or messages; interchange of thoughts or opinions, by conference or other means; conference; correspondence.
Argument . . . and friendly communication.

Communicate

Transmit thoughts or feelings;
He communicated his anxieties to the psychiatrist

Communication

Association; company.
Evil communications corrupt good manners.

Communicate

Transfer to another;
Communicate a disease

Communication

Means of communicating; means of passing from place to place; a connecting passage; connection.
The Euxine Sea is conveniently situated for trade, by the communication it has both with Asia and Europe.

Communicate

Join or connect;
The rooms communicated

Communication

That which is communicated or imparted; intelligence; news; a verbal or written message.

Communicate

Be in verbal contact; interchange information or ideas;
He and his sons haven't communicated for years
Do you communicate well with your advisor?

Communication

Participation in the Lord's supper.

Communicate

Administer communion; in church

Communication

A trope, by which a speaker assumes that his hearer is a partner in his sentiments, and says we, instead of I or you.

Communicate

Receive Communion, in the Catholic church

Communication

The activity of communicating; the activity of conveying information;
They could not act without official communication from Moscow

Communication

Something that is communicated by or to or between people or groups

Communication

A connection allowing access between persons or places;
How many lines of communication can there be among four people?
A secret passageway provided communication between the two rooms

Common Curiosities

What does 'communication' encompass?

It includes all forms, methods, and systems used for sharing information and ideas.

How do cultural differences impact communication?

Cultural differences can affect the interpretation of messages and the effectiveness of communication.

What is the difference between interpersonal and mass communication?

Interpersonal involves direct, face-to-face communication, while mass communication reaches a large audience through media.

Can you give an example of non-verbal communication?

Nodding to signify agreement is an example of non-verbal communication.

What role does technology play in communication today?

Technology greatly enhances the speed and effectiveness of communication through digital platforms.

What is the primary function of 'communicate'?

To convey information or express thoughts and feelings to others.

How do 'communicate' and 'communication' interact in a business environment?

Communicate describes the action employees take, whereas communication describes the entire framework that supports this action.

Why is feedback important in communication?

Feedback ensures the message has been understood as intended and allows for adjustments.

What are barriers to effective communication?

Barriers include language differences, noise, and personal biases, among others.

Is it possible to communicate without using language?

Yes, through gestures, expressions, and other forms of non-verbal communication.

How do emotions affect communication?

Emotions can influence how messages are delivered and received, impacting clarity and understanding.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Maham Liaqat
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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