send
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈɛnd/
US
- /ˈsɛnd/
Description
- transmit
- dispatch
- communicate
To send something isn't just about physically moving it from one place to another—though that's often part of it! It's about transmitting anything, whether a package, a message, or even feelings. You send a letter through the mail, you send a text to a friend, and you can even send someone your love.
Think of a little bird carrying a scroll—that's sending in its simplest form. But it's more than just delivery; it implies intention. You send help when someone is in need, or send signals to show where you are. Sometimes "to send" can even mean to cause something to happen—like "the news sent shockwaves through the town."
The word "send" seems simple enough—it means to transmit or dispatch something from one place to another. But its versatility lies in what you can send, and how that transmission happens. You can physically send a package via courier, an email through cyberspace, or even a signal using radio waves.
Historically, "send" comes from Old English roots meaning "to cause to go" or "to travel"—imagining something being propelled towards a destination. This sense of propulsion still exists in phrases like "sending someone on their way."
But "send" isn't limited to tangible things. You send messages (texts, emails, letters), feelings (love, sympathy, anger), and even instructions ("I'll send you the details later"). It can also imply causing a reaction: "The loud noise sent shivers down her spine," or "His actions sent a clear message."
Figuratively, "send" can mean to submit something for consideration. For example, an author might "send their manuscript to a publisher." Or you might "send your regards"—meaning to convey good wishes through another person.
So whether it's a physical object traveling across distances or abstract ideas reaching someone's mind, "to send" is about initiating a transfer—a connection between sender and receiver. It's a word that speaks to communication, action, and the power of getting something from here to there.
Examples
- 1
Everyday message
I'll send you the address tonight.
- 2
Greeting card
She sent a birthday card to her grandmother.
- 3
Digital files
Can you send me the file before the meeting?
Pattern
send someone something
send something to someone
- 4
School dismissal
The school sent him home because he was sick.
- 5
Work travel
My boss sent me to Chicago for a conference.
- 6
Errand
He sent his son to buy some milk.
Pattern
send someone to do X
tell them to go and do it
- 7
App reminders
The app sends me a reminder every morning.
- 8
Returns
I sent the shoes back because they were too small.
Phrase
send back
return something
- 9
Emotional reaction
His message sent me into a panic.
Pattern
send someone into + feeling
cause that person to suddenly feel it
- 10
Prices
The new tax could send prices even higher.
Pattern
send something higher/lower
make it rise or fall
- 11
Emergency help
We had to send for help when the car broke down.
Phrase
send for
ask for someone to come
- 12
Applications
Don't forget to send in your application by Friday.
Phrase
send in
officially submit something
- 13
Regards
Send my regards to your parents.
Phrase
send someone's regards
tell someone that person sends kind wishes
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- sendverb
Forms
- sentpast tensepast participleverb
- sending-ing formverb
- sendsverb