Convey vs Transmit
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Convey
Top 3,000 (common)B2verb
Transmit
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
Most common: Transmit
| Convey | Transmit | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/kənˈveɪ/","/kənˈveɪz/","/kənˈveɪd/","/kənˈveɪɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kənˈveɪ/","/kənˈveɪz/","/kənˈveɪd/","/kənˈveɪɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //trænˈsmɪt//🇺🇸 //trænˈsmɪt// |
| Meaning | To communicate or express something. | To send something from one place to another. |
| Example | She used gestures to convey her feelings when words failed. | The satellite will transmit data back to Earth. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | clearly, perfectly, powerfully, can, could, try to, to | transmit signals, transmit data, transmit information, transmit a message, transmit power |
| Antonyms | miscommunicate, hide, obscure | receive, detain |
| Common mistakes | Using 'convey' without an object (e.g., saying 'I convey' without specifying what)., Confusing it with 'conveyer' which refers to a type of belt., Mixing up the meaning with 'conveying' as in carrying physical items. | Confused with 'transmit' vs 'emit'., Using 'transmit' without an object., Mispronouncing the word. |
| Usage notes | Use 'convey' when you want to express an idea or feeling. It's appropriate in both spoken and written language, but might sound a bit formal in everyday conversation. | Commonly used in technical contexts, such as electronics, communication, and medicine. Avoid in casual conversation. |
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Frequently asked questions: Convey vs Transmit
What's the difference between Convey and Transmit?
Convey: To communicate or express something. Transmit: To send something from one place to another.
Which is more common: Convey and Transmit?
Transmit is the most common in everyday English.
Are Convey and Transmit the same CEFR level?
Convey: B2, Transmit: B2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Convey and Transmit?
Convey: verb, Transmit: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Convey: She used gestures to convey her feelings when words failed. Transmit: The satellite will transmit data back to Earth.
Can I use Convey and Transmit interchangeably?
Not always. Convey and Transmit are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.