Deliver
/dɪˈlɪvər/
Definitions
4 meaningsTo transport something to a specific recipient or location.
/dɪˈlɪvər/
To take goods, letters, etc., to a person or place.
The courier will deliver the package tomorrow.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're ordering a pizza. The pizza place DELIVERS it to your house. They bring it right to your door!
👶 For kids: To bring something to someone. Like when the mailman brings you a letter!
More Examples
We deliver fresh groceries every day.
The postman delivers mail on Saturdays as well.
How It's Used
"The company delivers packages all over the country."
"The mail carrier delivers letters every morning."
To present something, such as a speech, message, or performance, to an audience.
/dɪˈlɪvər/
To give a speech or performance.
The president delivered his annual address.
💡 Simply: When someone delivers a speech, they stand up and say important words to a group. It's like sharing a story or information with many people.
👶 For kids: To say something to a bunch of people, like a speech!
More Examples
She delivered a moving performance in the play.
The witness delivered a testimony.
How It's Used
"The speaker delivered an inspiring speech."
"The actor delivered a powerful performance."
To produce a desired outcome or result; to fulfill an expectation.
/dɪˈlɪvər/
To achieve a promised or expected result.
The company delivered record profits last year.
💡 Simply: If you promised to do something and you actually do it, that means you delivered! You got the job done and made it happen like you said you would.
👶 For kids: To do what you said you would do! Like if you promised to clean your room, and then you actually clean it – you delivered!
More Examples
The team delivered a successful product launch.
He delivered on his promises to the voters.
How It's Used
"The project delivered significant cost savings."
"The software delivered the expected functionality."
To assist with the birth of a baby.
/dɪˈlɪvər/
To help in childbirth; to assist in the birth of a baby.
The obstetrician delivered the baby.
💡 Simply: When a doctor or a midwife delivers a baby, they help a mom give birth. They make sure the baby is born safely.
👶 For kids: To help a baby come out of its mom. That’s what a doctor does when a baby is born!
More Examples
She delivered a healthy baby girl.
The midwife delivered the baby at home.
How It's Used
"The doctor helped deliver the baby."
"She was delivering twins."
Idioms & expressions
deliver the goods
To perform well and meet expectations; to provide what is needed.
"The new salesperson really delivered the goods and exceeded all targets."
deliver a blow
To inflict a physical or emotional injury.
"The news delivered a crushing blow to her hopes."
From Middle English *deliveren*, from Old French *delivrer* (“to free, release, hand over”), from Vulgar Latin *dēlīberāre* (“to set free”), from Latin *dēlīberō* (“to free, set free”), from *dē-* (“off, away”) + *liber* (“free”).
The word 'deliver' has been used since the 13th century, initially meaning 'to set free' or 'rescue'. Its meaning expanded over time to include the transportation of goods and the presentation of speeches.
Memory tip
Think of the milkman delivering milk to your doorstep.
Word Origin
"to free, set free"