convey
Americanverb (used with object)
-
conveys,
present (3rd person singular)
-
conveyed,
past participle, past
-
conveying
present participle
verb
-
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)
-
archaic to steal
Synonym Usage
See carry.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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conveysimple
-
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
-
have been conveyingperfect progressive
-
has been conveyingperfect progressive
Past
-
conveyedsimple
-
had conveyedperfect
-
was conveyingprogressive
-
were conveyingprogressive
-
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:
It was always going to be difficult for Warsh to convey a “hawkish pause,” he said, or an aggressive stance on fighting inflation, “unless there was a good explanation for why the Fed didn’t go.”
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 29, 2026
But few convey those efforts as Seyfried can.
From Salon ● Oct. 25, 2026
Rather than simply expressing happiness or approval, many positive words may convey a sense of security, stability, or predictability.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 24, 2026
Commenters seem amused by the apparent gaffe and have chosen to convey their feelings through a plethora of puns, jokes and memes.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 23, 2026
“How will we convey them to King Jerrold?”
From "Ella Enchanted" by Gail Carson Levine
A CeraVe TikTok touting a “looksmaxxing protocol” parodied “bone smashing” en route to advertising lotion, while Carl’s Jr. said its sandwich name conveys an “all-in mindset” in a culturally resonant way.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 21, 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
As I see it, Kiki’s willingness to help others conveys a more important teaching about interdependence as an integral part of independence.
From Salon ● Jul. 30, 2026
Ms. Day conveys Gelsomina’s strange existential awakening with a mix of narrative strategies.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026
He conveys his message through jokes or by spinning a lesson out of a popular movie or song.
From "Enrique's Journey" by Sonia Nazario
Mezzo Victoria Vargas conveyed the Señora’s off-putting mystery.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 5, 2026
Earlier this month, he conveyed confidence about his race.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 13, 2026
The vice-president led tributes as he conveyed his condolences to Samia, as well as Ameir's family and friends.
From BBC ● Sep. 7, 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
The men who delivered our drums of food were from the general section, and in the early months we managed to have whispered conversations with them in which we conveyed brief messages.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
The Spanish royal household said on X it was "shocked and concerned" by the accident, conveying its support to the victims, their loved ones and the emergency services.
From Barron's ● Oct. 28, 2026
Children in the study looked at faces conveying different emotions onscreen, and eye tracking technology recorded where their attention veered.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 29, 2026
“The Regan Offeror stated that they were ‘extremely careful’ with their language when conveying Regan’s offer, as they were aware that what they said could be misconstrued as extortion.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 11, 2026
The book showcases Mr. Scott’s forte: conveying the human cost of war.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 31, 2026
I undertook the task of personally conveying his apologies.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
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