convey

/kənˈveɪ/ · kun-VAYverb

Communicate, express, or make an idea, feeling, or piece of information known.

Use convey to express this relationship precisely: communicate, express, or make an idea, feeling, or piece of information known.

What convey Really Means

The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.

1

Core action

Communicate, express, or make an idea, feeling, or piece of information known.

Example

The diagram conveys the sequence more clearly than the paragraph.

2

Common construction

Use this expression in its normal grammatical frame so the relationship between the surrounding ideas remains explicit.

Example

Her restrained language conveys unease rather than anger.

3

Reasoning effect

It tells the reader how to interpret the timing, scope, evidence, contrast, condition, or consequence in the statement.

Example

Colour can convey information without words.

Use convey Naturally

Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.

The diagram conveys the sequence more clearly than the paragraph.

Her restrained language conveys unease rather than anger.

Colour can convey information without words.

Precision Matters

Convey overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.

convey

Means communicate, express, or make an idea, feeling, or piece of information known.

vs.
articulate

Means able to express ideas clearly, fluently, and effectively.

convey

Means communicate, express, or make an idea, feeling, or piece of information known.

vs.
illuminate

Means make an idea, subject, or situation clearer; literally, supply something with light.

convey

Means communicate, express, or make an idea, feeling, or piece of information known.

vs.
elicit

Means to evoke or draw out a response, reaction, or information.

convey

Means communicate, express, or make an idea, feeling, or piece of information known.

vs.
infer

Means to reach a conclusion from evidence and reasoning rather than direct statement.

Test convey in Context

The images communicate or express the feeling of isolation.

1

The repeated images of empty streets ___ a strong sense of isolation.

Prepared byFirst Academy
Editorial responsibilityFirst Academy Academic Team
Updated3 August 2026
Selection and reviewRead our methodology