message
/ˈmes.ɪdʒ/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A message is a piece of information sent to someone. It can be spoken, written, texted, or shown in other ways.
- I left you a message on your phone.
- She sent a message to her manager.
- The sign gives a clear message.
verb
If you message someone, you send them a short written note, often by phone or online.
- Message me when you arrive.
- He messaged his friend after work.
- Please message the team for updates.
Adinary Nuance
A message is the thing you send. It is not the same as mail, which can mean letters or email, or notice, which is often a formal announcement. In modern use, message is very common for texts, chats, and phone alerts.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- tin nhắn
- Spanish
- mensaje
- Chinese
- 信息
- Japanese
- メッセージ
- Korean
- 메시지
Etymology
Message came into English from Old French mesage in the 13th century. It is linked to the idea of sending news or information.
Common phrases
send a messageleave a messagetext messagethe message is
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between message and text?
- A text is a type of message sent by phone. Message is the broader word.
- Is message formal or informal?
- Message is neutral. It works in daily conversation and in business writing.
- Can message be a verb?
- Yes. You can say, 'Message me later.'