message

/ˈmɛsɪdʒ/
communication or information sent to someone

She sent me a message asking for help.

She communicated with me by sending a text or note.


general

a piece of information or communication sent to someone

He left a message on my voicemail.

He recorded a spoken message for me to hear later.

The email contained an important message.

The email had a significant piece of information.

Can be verbal, written, or digital.

literary

a hidden or symbolic meaning in a work of art or literature

The artist's paintings often carry a deeper message.

The artist's work conveys hidden meanings.

Used in literary or artistic contexts.

Collocations

send a messageto communicate somethingget the messageto understand the meaningleave a messageto record a communication

Related Phrases

read between the linesidiom
to understand the hidden meaning
take a messagephrase
to receive a communication for someone

Pro Tip

Digital vs. Verbal

In modern usage, 'message' often refers to digital communications like texts or emails.

Gold Rule

Context Matters

The meaning of 'message' can vary based on whether it's literal or symbolic.

Word Origin

From Middle English 'message,' from Old French 'message,' from Latin 'missaticum,' from 'missus,' past participle of 'mittere' (to send).

Usage Notes

Can refer to spoken, written, or digital communication. In technology, often refers to digital communications like emails or texts.

Word Breakdown

mess
to send or dispatch
root
+
-age
action or process
suffix
English Dictionary