What is transmit? Pronunciation and usage in English

Let's break down how to use the word "transmit" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different meanings, but they all revolve around the idea of passing something on.

1. To Send or Convey Information (Most Common)

• Meaning: This is the most frequent usage. "Transmit" means to send or pass on information, data, or signals.
• Examples:
  • "The radio station will transmit the emergency broadcast." (Sending a message)
  • "Scientists are trying to transmit data from the Mars rover." (Sending information)
  • "The internet transmits information across vast distances." (Passing data)
  • "He transmitted his feelings of sadness to his daughter." (Conveying an emotion)

2. Biological Transmission (Disease, Genetics)

• Meaning: In a biological context, "transmit" means to pass on a disease, genetic trait, or other biological characteristic.
• Examples:
  • "The virus can transmit easily through the air." (Spreading a disease)
  • "Scientists are researching how genes transmit from parents to children." (Passing on traits)
  • "The bacteria transmits the infection." (Carrying and spreading the infection)

3. To Pass Something Physically (Less Common)

• Meaning: Occasionally, "transmit" can refer to physically passing something from one place to another. This usage is less common than the others.
• Examples:
  • "The light beam transmits across the room." (Passing a light) – This is fairly metaphorical.
  • "The structure transmits vibrations easily." (Passing vibrations)

4. To Send a Signal (Technical)

• Meaning: In technical contexts, like engineering or electronics, "transmit" is often used to describe the act of sending a signal through a medium (like radio waves or fiber optics).
• Examples:
  • "The router transmits the Wi-Fi signal."
  • "The satellite transmits television signals."

Here's a breakdown of how to use it correctly:

• Often paired with: via, through, by, using (e.g., "transmit data via satellite," "transmit the message by email").
• Verb: "Transmit" is always a verb.
• Object: It takes a direct object – the thing being transmitted (e.g., "transmit information").

Synonyms: Consider these alternatives depending on the specific nuance you want:

• Send (general communication)
• Convey (emphasizes the emotional or abstract nature of the transfer)
• Pass on (often used for traditions or knowledge)
• Spread (for diseases or rumors)
• Broadcast (for radio or television messages)

Resources for Further Learning:

• Merriam-Webster Dictionary: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transmit
• Cambridge Dictionary: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/transmit

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To help me give you even more relevant advice, could you tell me:

• What kind of context are you thinking about using "transmit" in? (e.g., science, technology, everyday conversation, writing a story?)