WordGarden.ioconvey
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /kənvˈeɪ/
US
- /kənˈveɪ/
Meanings
Verb
to make an idea, feeling, or information known
to carry or transport someone or something from one place to another
to legally transfer property or title to someone
Beyond the definition
Imagine you're telling a story—you convey the events to your listener. Or picture a river conveying water downstream. To convey something is to pass it along, whether it's information, a feeling, or a physical object. A well-written email conveys a clear message; a thoughtful gift conveys affection. It's about getting something from one place (or person) to another. You might also say an airport conveyor belt conveys luggage—it physically moves things.
The word "convey" is surprisingly versatile, but it revolves around one core idea: getting something from one place to another. Most commonly, we use it to describe communicating information, ideas, or feelings. For example, "Her speech effectively conveyed the urgency of the situation" means she made the importance clear. Or: "The painting conveys a sense of peace."
But "convey" isn't limited to abstract concepts. It can also mean to transport something physically. Think of a conveyor belt—it conveys packages from one location to another. Historically, "convey" even had legal meanings related to transferring ownership of property (though that usage is less common today).
The context often dictates the nuance. If you say someone "conveyed a threat," it means they communicated it, either directly or indirectly. If you say a pipe conveys water, it means it carries or transports it.
So whether it's sharing thoughts, transporting goods, or (in legal contexts) transferring property rights, to convey is to deliver something from one place to another—physically or figuratively.
Examples
- 1
Email summary
His email conveyed the main points clearly.
- 2
Voice tone
The tone of her voice conveyed her disappointment.
- 3
Visual mood
The photo conveys a sense of calm.
- Patternconvey a sense of + feeling
create that feeling
- 4
Personal experience
It's hard to convey how tired I felt after the trip.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Family communication
She tried to convey to her parents that she needed more time.
- Patternconvey to + person that ...
communicate an idea to that person
- 6
Transport service
Buses convey passengers from the airport to the city center.
- 7
Legal transfer
The deed conveys ownership of the land to the buyer.
- Domainconvey ownership
officially transfer it
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- convey a message
- convey meaning
- convey emotion
- convey the impression
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- conveyverb
Forms
- conveyedpast tenseverb
- conveying-ing formverb
- conveysverb