Word definition: message

Etimology


From Middle English message, from Old French message, from Early Medieval Latin missāticum, derived from Latin mittere (“send”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *meyth₂- (“to exchange”). Displaced native Old English ærende which is survived in English errand.

noun


message (plural messages)

A communication, or what is communicated; any concept or information conveyed.

An underlying theme or conclusion to be drawn from something.

(UK, Ireland, chiefly in the plural) An errand.

(Ireland, Scotland, Northern England) See messages (“groceries, shopping”).

Examples


We've just received an urgent message from the President.

I have a message from God unto thee.

No matter how early I came down, I would find him on the veranda, smoking cigarettes, or otherwise his man would be there with a message to say that his master would shortly join me if I would kindly wait.

The main message of the novel is that time heals all wounds.

Even without hovering drones, a lurking assassin, a thumping score and a denouement, the real-life story of Edward Snowden, a rogue spy on the run, could be straight out of the cinema. But, as with Hollywood, the subplots and exotic locations may distract from the real message: America’s discomfort and its foes’ glee.

I had been on a message for my father, and was walking home along the road, when I saw a tall, fine lassie coming over the bogland on the right hand side of the road.

Related words


hyponyms

heartbeat message

in-flight message

instant message

text message

verb


message (third-person singular simple present messages, present participle messaging, simple past and past participle messaged)

To send a message to; to transmit a message to, e.g. as text via a cell phone.

To send (something) as a message; usually refers to electronic messaging.

(intransitive) To send a message or messages; to be capable of sending messages.

(obsolete) To bear as a message.

Examples


Just message me for directions.

I messaged her about the concert.

She messaged me the information yesterday.

Please message the final report by fax.

We've implemented a new messaging service.

The runaway computer program was messaging non-stop.

Related words


synonyms

(send a text message to): text

Data provided by Wiktionary