convey

American  

[kuhn-vey] / kənˈveɪ /

verb (used with object)

1. to carry, bring, or take from one place to another; transport; bear.

   Synonyms:

   move

2. to communicate; impart; make known.

   to convey a wish.

3. to lead or conduct, as a channel or medium; transmit

4. Law. to transfer; pass the title to.

5. Archaic. steal; purloin.

6. Obsolete. to take away secretly.

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convey British  

/ kənˈveɪ /

verb

1. to take, carry, or transport from one place to another

2. to communicate (a message, information, etc)

3. (of a channel, path, etc) to conduct, transmit, or transfer

4. law to transmit or transfer (the title to property)

5. archaic to steal

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Related Words

See carry.

Other Word Forms

• conveyable
  adjective
• preconvey
  verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of convey

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English conveyen, from Anglo-French conveier, from unattested Vulgar Latin conviāre, equivalent to con- “with, together, completely” + -viāre, derivative of via “way”; see con- ( def. ), via ( def. )

Explanation

When you convey something, you carry or deliver it. Little Red Riding Hood conveyed a basket of muffins to her grandmother. Your sad smile might convey more about your feelings than words ever could. You can also convey a message or information, which means that you communicate it to someone directly or indirectly through your words or actions. In law, the word convey means to transfer or pass property to someone. This verb is from Middle English conveyen, from Old French conveier, ultimately from the Latin prefix com-, "together," plus via, "way."

Example Sentences

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei told local media that the "US plan and proposal are still under review," and that Tehran would convey its position to Pakistan "after finalising its views."

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

And with “The Devil Wears Prada 2” — a brutally honest, important film that uses its blockbuster status to convey the timelessness of journalism, cinema and human creativity — they will.

From Salon • May 1, 2026

Chopin sought to convey these moods through explicit performing directions about fingering, pedaling and slurring.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

For “Half Man,” Gadd thought Bell could convey the pain that haunts Niall, even as his actions paint him less like Ruben’s victim and more like a vengeful participant in the chaos.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

I return to a safe topic, both for something else to say and because the rude part of me wants to convey that I don't think Ollie's visit warrants it.

From "Girl in the Blue Coat" by Monica Hesse

Related Words

• communicate
• disclose
• impart
• pass on
• reveal
• send
• tell
• transmit