Mail

Definition

Mail is a noun and verb. As a noun, it refers to letters, packages, and other items sent through a postal system. As a verb, it means to send something, especially letters or parcels, through a postal service.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /meɪl/
• Respelling: MAYL

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /meɪl/
• Respelling: MAYL

Etymology

The word "mail" originates from the Old French "male," meaning "bag" or "wallet," which in turn derives from the Frankish "*malha," meaning "bag or pouch." In the 17th century, its meaning shifted to refer to the system for delivering letters and parcels.

Derivatives

• Mailbox (noun)
• Mailman (noun)
• Mailing (noun/verb)
• Email (noun/verb)
• Postmail (noun)

Synonyms

• Post
• Correspondence
• Parcel

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "mail" is used for describing the process of sending or receiving physical or electronic communications. For example, "The mail arrived late today" (noun) or "She mailed the invitation yesterday" (verb).

Related Terms

• Post: Another term for mail, primarily used in British English.
• Email: Electronic mail sent through the internet.
• Courier: A service that delivers mail or packages directly.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• Items sent through a postal system: Refers to letters, packages, and other items transported by mail services.
  • Example: "I received a package in the mail today."
• The system for delivering correspondence and packages: Refers to the organization and processes involved in delivering mail.
  • Example: "The mail is sorted every morning at the post office."

Verb

• To send items via a postal system: Refers to the act of dispatching letters or parcels.
  • Example: "She mailed the application yesterday."
• To send electronically (in the case of email): Refers to dispatching messages or documents via electronic means.
  • Example: "He mailed the report to his manager."