Definition

Noun: 1. The academic discipline: The field of study concerned with the theory, principles, and methods of creating, transmitting, and interpreting information, messages, and meaning through various channels and media. 2. The systems and technology: The means or systems (e.g., telephone lines, radio, satellites, internet) used for sending and receiving information. 3. The messages or information exchanged: The act or process of communicating; the messages, data, or information that is communicated.

Usage and Examples

• As an academic discipline:
  • She has a degree in communications from a prestigious university.
  • Effective communications is essential for any successful organization.
• Referring to systems and technology:
  • The storm damaged the city's communications infrastructure.
  • We are establishing secure communications with the remote base.
• Referring to the act or content of communicating:
  • All communications between the lawyer and client are confidential.
  • The company issued an official communications regarding the policy change.

Advanced Usage

• "to be in communications with someone": To be in the process of exchanging information or messages with someone, often formally.
  • Our office is in direct communications with the suppliers to resolve the issue.
• "to break off communications": To stop communicating with someone or some entity.
  • The two countries broke off diplomatic communications after the incident.

Variants and Related Words

• Communication (noun, uncountable): The general act or process of exchanging information or expressing ideas.
  • Good communication is key to a strong relationship.
• Communicate (verb): To share or exchange information, news, or ideas.
  • It is difficult to communicate complex ideas simply.
• Communicative (adjective): Willing, eager, or able to talk or impart information.
  • He became more communicative after we got to know him.

Synonyms

• Telecommunications: (Specifically for electronic systems over distance)
• Correspondence: (Written communications, especially letters)
• Dissemination: (The act of spreading information widely)

Related Phrases

• Communications satellite: An artificial satellite that relays signals for telecommunications.
  • The broadcast was transmitted via a communications satellite.
• Communications breakdown: A failure in the process of exchanging information, leading to misunderstanding or lack of information.
  • The project failed due to a complete communications breakdown between departments.

Noun

1. the discipline that studies the principles of transmiting information and the methods by which it is delivered (as print or radio or television etc.)
   • communications is his major field of study