What does communicatively mean?
"Communicatively" is an adverb meaning in a manner that relates to or involves communication — that is, in a way concerned with conveying or exchanging information, ideas, or meaning. It is typically formed from the adjective "communicative" and appears most often in formal or academic contexts: applied linguists speak of teaching languages "communicatively," developmental psychologists describe infants engaging "communicatively" with caregivers before they can speak, and workplace writing may note how teams function communicatively across distances. The word carries a neutral, descriptive tone rather than any strong positive or negative connotation, though it often implies purposeful, meaningful interaction rather than mere noise. Its roots lie deep in English's Latinate vocabulary, sharing ancestry with words such as "community," "communion," and "communal." Because it is somewhat rare outside specialist discourse, writers should weigh whether a simpler phrase would serve ordinary prose better.
adverbIn a manner relating to or characterized by communication; in a way that involves the exchange of information or ideas.
- In a manner involving or relating to the exchange of information, ideas, or meaning between people.
"The children were encouraged to engage communicatively with their classmates during the group activity."
"The language course was designed to help students use English communicatively rather than merely memorizing grammar rules."
"Even as a toddler, she engaged communicatively with her caregivers through gestures and babbling long before forming words."
Born from the same Latin root as 'communion' and 'community' — communicatively literally carries the idea of sharing something in common.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of communicatively
Communicatively derives from "communicative," which traces back through Late Latin "communicativus" to the Latin verb "communicare," meaning to share, impart, or make common. That verb itself comes from "communis," meaning common or shared — the same root that gives us "community," "common," and "commune." The adverb was formed in English by adding the standard adverbial suffix "-ly" to the adjective, following a pattern productive since Middle English times.
Related word forms
How communicatively is actually used
"Communicatively" is a relatively formal adverb, most at home in academic writing about language learning, linguistics, child development, and communication studies. In everyday speech, speakers usually prefer phrasings like "in a communicative way" or restructure the sentence entirely.
Easily confused with communicatively
"Communicative" is the adjective describing someone or something willing or able to communicate, while "communicatively" is its adverb form describing how an action is performed.