Communicatively

Communicatively is an adverb that describes an action performed in a manner that emphasizes communication or social interaction. It is derived from the adjective communicative, which refers to the ability or tendency to convey information effectively. The word comes from the verb communicate, itself from Latin communicare, meaning to share or impart.

In linguistics, education, and organizational communication, communicatively is used to label approaches, tasks, or behaviors that facilitate dialogue and mutual understanding. For example, a teacher might design activities that are communicatively oriented, encouraging students to exchange ideas rather than merely recite facts. In user interface design, a system can be described as communicatively designed when it supports clear, interactive exchanges between users and the system.

Usage notes: While common in academic or professional writing, communicatively is less common in casual speech; speakers may instead use phrases such as in a way that facilitates communication.

Related terms include communicative, communication, and communicability, with communicative competence as a related concept in linguistics.