Convey vs. Communicate — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 8, 2024
Convey focuses on the act of transferring information or emotion, while communicate encompasses not only the transfer but also the mutual understanding between parties.
Difference Between Convey and Communicate
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Conveying is about the transmission of ideas, feelings, or information from one person to another, emphasizing the sender's action. It can involve various forms of expression, such as speech, writing, or art, aiming to deliver a message or emotion. On the other hand, communication is a broader concept that includes not only the transmission but also the receipt and understanding of the message. Communication is a two-way process that involves feedback and interaction, ensuring that the message is not only sent but also understood as intended.
While conveying can be seen as a component of communication, the latter adds the crucial element of feedback, making it a more interactive and reciprocal process. For example, when a teacher conveys information to students, they are communicating if they engage with the students to ensure the information is understood, adapting their message based on the students' responses.
Conveying might not always require a response or acknowledgment from the receiver, focusing more on the act of delivery itself. However, effective communication demands that the receiver comprehends and can act upon or respond to the message, highlighting the importance of clarity, context, and mutual understanding.
In professional and personal settings, the distinction becomes important when the goal is beyond merely sharing information. Effective communication is essential for building relationships, resolving conflicts, and fostering teamwork, where understanding and empathy play key roles, whereas conveying might suffice for simple information transfer tasks.
Both concepts are critical in ensuring successful interactions but are chosen based on the desired outcome of the exchange. Whether the aim is to simply inform someone of something (convey) or to engage in a deeper exchange of ideas and ensure mutual understanding (communicate), recognizing the difference can enhance personal and professional relationships.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The act of transferring information or emotion.
The exchange of information with mutual understanding.
Focus
Sender's action of delivery.
Two-way process including feedback and interaction.
Requirement
Does not necessarily require feedback.
Requires feedback for mutual understanding.
Purpose
To deliver a message or emotion.
To ensure the message is understood as intended.
Key Element
Delivery of information.
Understanding and interaction.
Compare with Definitions
Convey
Expressing indirectly.
Her facial expression conveyed what she thought about the plan.
Communicate
Exchanging information or ideas.
They communicate effectively to solve problems quickly.
Convey
The act of making something known.
He conveyed the urgency of the situation through his tone of voice.
Communicate
Sharing information with the expectation of a response.
He communicates his expectations to the team at the start of each project.
Convey
Transport or carry to a place.
The pipeline is used to convey water to the city.
Communicate
Enhancing relationships through understanding.
They communicate well, which strengthens their relationship.
Convey
Transmitting ideas or feelings.
The novel conveys the complexity of human emotions through its characters.
Communicate
The process of reaching mutual understanding.
Good leaders communicate their vision clearly to their team.
Convey
Imparting information without requiring acknowledgment.
The sign conveys the park's opening hours.
Communicate
Involving verbal, non-verbal, and written methods.
She communicates with her clients via email and video calls.
Convey
To take or carry from one place to another; transport.
Communicate
To convey information about; make known; impart
Communicated his views to our office.
Convey
To serve as a medium of transmission for; transmit
Wires that convey electricity.
Communicate
To reveal clearly; manifest
Her disapproval communicated itself in her frown.
Convey
To communicate or make known; impart
"a look intended to convey sympathetic comprehension" (Saki).
Communicate
To spread (a disease, for example) to others; transmit
A carrier who communicated typhus.
Convey
(Law) To transfer ownership of or title to.
Communicate
To have an interchange, as of ideas.
Convey
(Archaic) To steal.
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).
Convey
To move (something) from one place to another.
Air conveys sound. Water is conveyed through the pipe.
Communicate
(Ecclesiastical) To receive Communion.
Convey
(dated) To take or carry (someone) from one place to another.
Communicate
To be connected, one with another
Apartments that communicate.
Convey
To communicate; to make known; to portray.
To convey an impression; to convey information
Communicate
To impart
Convey
(legal) To transfer legal rights (to).
He conveyed ownership of the company to his daughter.
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.
Convey
(obsolete) To manage with privacy; to carry out.
Communicate
(transitive) To impart or transmit (an intangible quantity, substance); to give a share of.
To communicate motion by means of a crank
Convey
(obsolete) To carry or take away secretly; to steal; to thieve.
Communicate
(transitive) To pass on (a disease) to another person, animal etc.
The disease was mainly communicated via rats and other vermin.
Convey
To carry from one place to another; to bear or transport.
I will convey them by sea in floats.
Convey me to my bed, then to my grave.
Communicate
To share
Convey
To cause to pass from one place or person to another; to serve as a medium in carrying (anything) from one place or person to another; to transmit; as, air conveys sound; words convey ideas.
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.
Convey
To transfer or deliver to another; to make over, as property; more strictly (Law), to transfer (real estate) or pass (a title to real estate) by a sealed writing.
The Earl of Desmond . . . secretly conveyed all his lands to feoffees in trust.
Communicate
To receive the bread and wine at a celebration of the Eucharist; to take part in Holy Communion.
Convey
To impart or communicate; as, to convey an impression; to convey information.
Men fill one another's heads with noise and sound, but convey not thereby their thoughts.
Communicate
To administer the Holy Communion to (someone).
Convey
To manage with privacy; to carry out.
I . . . will convey the business as I shall find means.
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.
Convey
To carry or take away secretly; to steal; to thieve.
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.
Convey
To accompany; to convoy.
Communicate
To share in common; to participate in.
To thousands that communicate our loss.
Convey
To play the thief; to steal.
But as I am Crack, I will convey, crossbite, and cheat upon Simplicius.
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.
Convey
Make known; pass on, of information
Communicate
To make known; to recount; to give; to impart; as, to communicate information to any one.
Convey
Serve as a means for expressing something;
The painting of Mary carries motherly love
His voice carried a lot af anger
Communicate
To administer the communion to.
She [the church] . . . may communicate him.
He communicated those thoughts only with the Lord Digby.
Convey
Transfer to another;
Communicate a disease
Communicate
To share or participate; to possess or enjoy in common; to have sympathy.
Ye did communicate with my affliction.
Convey
Transmit a title or property
Communicate
To give alms, sympathy, or aid.
To do good and to communicate forget not.
Convey
Transmit or serve as the medium for transmission;
Sound carries well over water
The airwaves carry the sound
Many metals conduct heat
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.
Convey
Take something or somebody with oneself somewhere;
Bring me the box from the other room
Take these letters to the boss
This brings me to the main point
Communicate
To partake of the Lord's supper; to commune.
The primitive Christians communicated every day.
Convey
Go or come after and bring or take back;
Get me those books over there, please
Could you bring the wine?
The dog fetched the hat
Communicate
Transmit information ;
Please communicate this message to all employees
Communicate
Transmit thoughts or feelings;
He communicated his anxieties to the psychiatrist
Communicate
Transfer to another;
Communicate a disease
Communicate
Join or connect;
The rooms communicated
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?
Communicate
Administer communion; in church
Communicate
Receive Communion, in the Catholic church
Common Curiosities
Can communication be effective if the message is not conveyed clearly?
No, clear conveyance of the message is fundamental to effective communication, as it lays the foundation for understanding and interaction.
How does feedback play a role in communication?
Feedback is crucial in communication as it ensures the message is understood and allows for adjustments to improve clarity.
Can you convey a message without communicating?
Yes, you can convey a message without the guarantee of mutual understanding, which is necessary for communication.
Why is it important to understand the difference between convey and communicate?
Understanding the difference helps in choosing the appropriate method for the desired outcome, whether it’s simply delivering information or seeking an interactive exchange.
How do cultural differences impact communication?
Cultural differences can significantly affect communication styles, interpretation, and the methods preferred for conveying and exchanging information.
Is communication always verbal?
No, communication can be verbal, non-verbal, or written, encompassing a wide range of methods for exchanging information.
Why might someone choose to convey rather than communicate?
Someone might choose to convey when the goal is simply to inform or when time is limited, avoiding the need for immediate feedback or interaction.
How do misunderstandings affect communication?
Misunderstandings can break down the process of communication, leading to confusion, conflict, and inefficiency in achieving goals.
What is a common barrier to effective communication?
Misunderstandings, assumptions, and lack of feedback are common barriers that hinder effective communication.
How can one improve their communication skills?
By practicing active listening, being clear and concise, considering the audience, and seeking and providing feedback.
Is it possible to communicate emotions effectively?
Yes, emotions can be communicated effectively through verbal and non-verbal cues, but it requires sensitivity and awareness of the receiver’s perspective.
What role does empathy play in communication?
Empathy is vital in understanding the receiver's viewpoint, emotions, and needs, making communication more effective and meaningful.
How do conveyance and communication differ in a digital context?
In a digital context, conveyance might refer to the simple act of sending information (e.g., emails, texts), while communication encompasses understanding and interaction, which can be challenging due to the lack of non-verbal cues.
Can non-verbal cues be conveyed and communicated?
Yes, non-verbal cues such as body language and facial expressions can both convey and communicate feelings and reactions, often adding depth to the understanding of the message.
What's the importance of context in communication?
Context shapes how messages are conveyed and interpreted, affecting the tone, formality, and method of communication, and ensuring the message is appropriate for the audience.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba 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.
