convey
/kənˈveɪ/
verb
Origin
Latin
convio — to bring together or accompany
Overview
Meaning Now
- To transport or carry something from one place to another.
- To communicate or express a message, feeling, or idea.
- In law, to transfer the legal title to property from one person to another.
Literal older meaning
to carry together or completely
Language path
Latin → Old French → English
Earliest form
conveier
Earliest period
late 13th century
Journey
The word entered English via Anglo-Norman during the Middle Ages. Its use expanded from the literal physical movement of goods to the more abstract legal sense of transferring property ownership by the 15th century, and eventually to the communication of ideas.
Evolution
- Latin
convehere
“to carry or bring together”
From 'com-' (together) + 'vehere' (to carry).
- Old French
conveier
“to escort, guide, or transport”
- Middle English
conveien
“to transport, carry, or manage”
Connections
Word parts
con-
prefix
together/with
vey
root
carry (from Latin 'vehere')
Related across languages
French
convoyer
to escort or convoy
Italian
conviare
to send or convey
Explore next
Related to convey
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.