The word communicate originates from Latin roots meaning “to share,” “to make common,” or “to impart information.” Etymologically, communicate signifies the act of sharing or exchanging information, ideas, or feelings between individuals or groups, making them common or accessible to all involved.
Etymological Breakdown:
1. Latin: communicare
- Meaning: “to share,” “to make common,” “to communicate”
- From:
- com- = “together” or “with”
- munus = “gift,” “service,” or “duty”
Communicare referred to the act of sharing or making something common among people, particularly ideas or resources. It also carried the sense of giving or bestowing something for communal use.
2. Latin: munus
- Meaning: “gift,” “service,” “duty,” or “office”
- The root munus is related to the idea of something being given or shared for the benefit of others—a gift or service that brings people together.
3. Old French: comunicer
- Borrowed from Latin communicare
- Used in Old French to describe making something known, sharing information, or imparting knowledge to others.
4. Middle English: communicate (14th century)
- Borrowed from Old French comunicer and directly from Latin communicare
- The word expanded to describe the act of sharing information, imparting knowledge, or making something accessible to others, whether in speech, writing, or other forms of interaction.
Literal Meaning:
Communicate = “To make something common or share”
→ The act of sharing information, thoughts, or feelings with others to make them accessible or understandable.
Expanded Usage:
1. Verbal / Spoken Communication:
- Speaking to share information: Talking or conversing to convey thoughts or ideas (e.g., “She communicated her plans clearly”)
- Public speaking: Delivering a message to an audience to inform, persuade, or entertain
2. Written Communication:
- Writing to share information: Sending messages or documents to convey ideas (e.g., “He communicated through email”)
- Formal communication: Written forms of information exchange (e.g., “official reports”)
3. Non-verbal Communication:
- Body language: Communicating through gestures, facial expressions, or posture (e.g., “Her body language communicates confidence”)
- Visual communication: Conveying information through images, symbols, or signs (e.g., “The chart communicates the data clearly”)
4. Digital and Technological Communication:
- Email, texting, social media: Platforms used to share information and communicate in digital formats (e.g., “I communicated with my team via Slack”)
- Communication tools: Devices or platforms used for transmitting information (e.g., “telecommunication,” “video conferencing”)
5. Conceptual / Abstract Communication:
- Communicating ideas: The exchange of thoughts or knowledge in philosophical, academic, or intellectual contexts (e.g., “The book communicates complex ideas to the reader”)
- Emotional communication: Expressing feelings and emotions, whether verbally or non-verbally (e.g., “He communicated his concern through a hug”)
Related Words and Cognates:
| Word | Root Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Community | Latin communis | A group of people with shared interests or resources |
| Communion | Latin communio | Sharing or participating in something together (e.g., in religious contexts) |
| Communication | Latin communicare | The act of exchanging information, ideas, or feelings |
| Commune | Latin communis | A place or group where resources or ideas are shared |
| Communicative | Latin communicare + -ive | Willing or able to communicate information easily |
Metaphorical Insight:
Communicate is the bridge that connects individuals, ideas, and cultures. It is the means of exchange, where thoughts, knowledge, and emotions are shared to create understanding and cohesion. Communication involves not just the act of transmitting information, but also the intention to make something accessible, understandable, and common to all involved. Whether through words, actions, or technology, communication enables people to connect with each other and the world around them.