communicative

Communicative is an adjective meaning relating to communication; it can describe something intended to convey information, or a person who is willing and able to share ideas and engage with others. In everyday use, it often implies openness to dialogue and effective exchange of information, but the precise sense depends on context.

Etymology: the term derives from the Latin verb communicare to share or impart, combined with the English suffix -ative. In linguistics, 'communicative' is linked to concepts like communicative competence, which concerns the ability to use language appropriately in social situations rather than merely to form correct sentences.

In language teaching, the communicative approach (often called communicative language teaching, CLT) emphasizes real-life communication, functional language use, and meaningful interaction. Activities focus on exchanging information, negotiating meaning, and using language for authentic purposes rather than recalling grammar rules in isolation.

In psychology and social sciences, 'communicative behavior' or 'communicative acts' describe the processes of encoding, transmitting, and decoding messages, including nonverbal cues. The term may also describe a person's disposition as being more open and socially oriented, depending on context.

Related terms include communication, communicative competence, communicativeness, and nonverbal communication. The usage varies by discipline, but all center on the exchange of information and the ability to convey and interpret messages effectively.