convey
Americanverb (used with object)
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conveys,
present (3rd person singular)
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conveyed,
past participle, past
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conveying
present participle
verb
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to take, carry, or transport from one place to another
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to communicate (a message, information, etc)
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(of a channel, path, etc) to conduct, transmit, or transfer
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law to transmit or transfer (the title to property)
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archaic to steal
Synonym Usage
See carry.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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conveysimple
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conveyssimple
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have conveyedperfect
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has conveyedperfect
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am conveyingprogressive
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are conveyingprogressive
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is conveyingprogressive
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have been conveyingperfect progressive
-
has been conveyingperfect progressive
Past
-
conveyedsimple
-
had conveyedperfect
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was conveyingprogressive
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were conveyingprogressive
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had been conveyingperfect progressive
Future
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."
Vocabulary lists containing convey
The SAT: Language of the Test, List 2
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Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
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The Language of Standardized Tests, List 2
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
The ECB said the outlook remains highly uncertain, a point President Christine Lagarde tried to convey in her post-decision press conference.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 10, 2026
"I can say from first-hand observation that the reality on the ground is far more severe than images can convey," he said.
From Barron's ● Sep. 3, 2026
Ms. Horn hopes, she writes, to convey that Judaism “is a movement built on laws that don’t rely on human rulers, built on an idea of commandedness that taught the world that freedom requires responsibility.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 31, 2026
I sent him a rambling voice memo, trying to convey my bewilderment as best as I could.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 25, 2026
She had agreed, if necessary, to use her contacts to convey secret messages on Nixon’s behalf to Nguyen Van Thieu, the president of South Vietnam.
From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin
When he turns, we turn, and the anguish that Garfield wordlessly conveys is our compass.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 11, 2026
And Parton conveys the magnitude of this realization, stating plainly, “Sometimes the road is rugged, and it’s hard to travel on, but holding onto each other, we don’t have to walk alone.”
From Salon ● Aug. 28, 2026
While Noseda sometimes practices likability to a fault, his sense of drama is ever sure, and it is hard to get enough of the lyrical sweetness he conveys.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 20, 2026
He isn’t polished, let alone slick; he conveys a rough-hewn authenticity and comfort in his own skin.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 21, 2026
As a director, Volpe conveys his love of this world to his students.
From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove
Earlier this month, he conveyed confidence about his race.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 13, 2026
"Every report regarding shortages of personnel, equipment, water, or other needs must be conveyed immediately so that solutions can be found."
From Barron's ● Sep. 6, 2026
Dr Morkane added: "Following the collision, Jennifer was unable to recall events, exited the vehicle independently and she was conveyed to hospital."
From BBC ● Aug. 27, 2026
But at his career’s apex, Curry conveyed a novella’s worth of feeling through a flexible expressiveness that made him a theatrical force.
From Salon ● Aug. 26, 2026
But, to her surprise, his face, awake and animate, conveyed none of the brutality that had been her first impression.
From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor
It is the same message officials across the country have been conveying in British Columbia, where around 115 fires are currently burning.
From BBC ● Aug. 9, 2026
Across five Pacific War volumes, Mr. Scott has established himself as a master of conveying the human cost of war.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 31, 2026
Greenspan exhibited a deft touch with financial markets, saying the barest minimum in his statements but seemingly always conveying what traders wanted to hear.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 22, 2026
These scenes are where the film does its best work, conveying the necessity of unstructured play with ease alongside the movie’s funniest jokes.
From Salon ● Jun. 21, 2026
On September 20th two covered carts went off laden to Buckland, conveying the furniture and goods that Frodo had not sold to his new home, by way of the Brandywine Bridge.
From "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
