Plain English Meaning

It's how a message gets from one person to another and is actually understood. There's the person speaking, what they say or show, and the person listening or watching. If any of those three parts breaks down, the message doesn't get through.

Full Definition

The exchange of ideas or information between a source (the person sending the message), a symbol (the words, gestures, or visuals used to carry the message), and a receiver (the person taking it in and interpreting it). Effective communication occurs only when the receiver understands the message in the way the source intended.

Context Anchor

Used in aviation instructor training when discussing how instructors explain, question, listen, and confirm student understanding during ground or flight lessons.

Derivation

From Latin communicare, meaning 'to share' or 'to make common.' The word emphasizes that communication is not just talking — it's the act of making an idea shared between two people. Adding '' signals that this sharing happens in steps, not all at once.