Sent vs. Delivered — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 18, 2024
"Sent" means something has been dispatched, while "delivered" means it has reached its destination.
Difference Between Sent and Delivered
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Sent" refers to the act of dispatching or forwarding an item from one place to another. This term indicates that the sender has initiated the transfer, but it does not confirm the item's receipt. "Delivered," on the other hand, confirms that the item has arrived at its intended destination. It implies successful receipt and is often used to signify the completion of the sending process.
When discussing communication, "sent" can apply to messages, emails, or letters that have been dispatched, whereas "delivered" indicates the recipient has received and possibly read them. In logistics, "sent" indicates the package is in transit, while "delivered" confirms it has been received.
In customer service, the term "sent" suggests that an action has been taken by the service provider to send the item or message, while "delivered" means the customer has actually received it. This distinction is crucial for tracking and ensuring customer satisfaction.
While "sent" focuses on the act of initiating transfer, "delivered" emphasizes the completion and receipt. This difference is essential in various contexts such as mail delivery, email communication, and package shipping, where both terms play distinct roles in the delivery process.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Dispatched or forwarded
Arrived at destination
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Confirmation
No confirmation of receipt
Confirms receipt
Usage in Emails
Indicates email has left outbox
Indicates email has been received
Usage in Logistics
Item is in transit
Item has been received
Focus
Initiating transfer
Completion and receipt
Compare with Definitions
Sent
Dispatched from one location to another.
The letter was sent yesterday.
Delivered
Fulfilled or executed as promised.
The project was delivered on time.
Sent
Issued or distributed to an audience.
The newsletter was sent to all subscribers.
Delivered
Transferred possession to someone.
The courier delivered the documents.
Sent
Transmitted over a network.
The signal was sent to the satellite.
Delivered
Successfully handed over to the recipient.
The speech was delivered with great emotion.
Sent
Directed toward a recipient.
He sent flowers to his mother.
Delivered
Completed the process of sending.
The email was delivered to the inbox.
Sent
Sent is a former municipality in the district of Inn in the Swiss Canton of Graubünden. On 1 January 2015 the former municipalities of Ardez, Guarda, Tarasp, Ftan and Sent merged into the municipality of Scuol.
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.
Sent
(until the introduction of the euro in 2011) a monetary unit of Estonia, equal to one hundredth of a kroon.
Delivered
To bring or transport to the proper place or recipient; distribute
Deliver groceries.
Deliver the mail.
Sent
Past tense and past participle of send1.
Delivered
To surrender (someone or something) to another; hand over
Delivered the criminal to the police.
Sent
Simple past tense and past participle of send
Delivered
To secure (something promised or desired), as for a candidate or political party
Campaign workers who delivered the ward for the mayor.
Sent
A subdivision of currency, equal to one hundredth of an Estonian kroon.
Delivered
To throw or hurl
The pitcher delivered the ball.
Sent
Obsolete form of scent
Delivered
To strike (a blow).
Sent
100 senti equal 1 kroon
Delivered
To express in words; declare or utter
Deliver a lecture.
Sent
Caused or enabled to go or be conveyed or transmitted
Delivered
To give birth to
She delivered a baby boy this morning.
Sent
Forwarded through a communication medium.
She sent an email to her boss.
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
Delivered
Brought to a specified destination.
The package was delivered to her door.
Common Curiosities
Does "sent" confirm receipt?
No, "sent" does not confirm receipt; it only indicates dispatch.
What does "delivered" mean?
"Delivered" means the item or message has arrived at its intended destination.
Can something be sent but not delivered?
Yes, something can be sent but not delivered if it doesn't reach its destination.
What does "sent" mean?
"Sent" means an item or message has been dispatched from one place to another.
Is "sent" used for emails?
Yes, "sent" is used to indicate an email has left the sender's outbox.
What is the focus of the term "delivered"?
The focus of "delivered" is on the completion and receipt of the item.
Is "delivered" used for emails?
Yes, "delivered" indicates the email has reached the recipient's inbox.
Does "delivered" mean the recipient has received the item?
Yes, "delivered" confirms that the recipient has received the item.
Can "delivered" be used for services?
Yes, "delivered" can be used to indicate that a service has been fulfilled or executed.
Can a package be "sent" without being "delivered"?
Yes, a package can be sent but may not be delivered due to various issues like address errors.
What is the focus of the term "sent"?
The focus of "sent" is on the act of dispatching or forwarding.
In what context is "delivered" commonly used?
"Delivered" is commonly used to confirm the receipt of emails, messages, packages, and services.
What is the difference in usage for "sent" and "delivered" in logistics?
"Sent" indicates the item is in transit, while "delivered" means it has been received.
In what context is "sent" commonly used?
"Sent" is commonly used in the context of emails, messages, and packages in transit.
Is "delivered" a confirmation of action completion?
Yes, "delivered" confirms that the action of sending has been completed successfully.
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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
