Delivered

/dɪˈlɪvərd/

verbBeginner🔥Very CommonGeneral
3 meanings1 idiom/phrase3 questions

Definitions

3 meanings
1

To transport and transfer something to a specified recipient or location.

/dɪˈlɪvərd/

verbneutralBeginner
General

To bring and hand over (a letter, parcel, or goods) to the proper recipient or address.

The pizza was delivered hot and on time.

💡 Simply: Like when the pizza guy brings the hot pizza to your door, that's 'delivering' it! You're giving something to someone, like a letter, package, or a promise.

👶 For kids: To give something to someone, like a present or a letter.

More Examples

2

The company delivered its promises to the customers.

3

The solicitor delivered a speech to the crowd.

How It's Used

Postal Service

"The mail carrier delivered the package this morning."

E-commerce

"The company delivered the product within two days."

2

To give a speech, presentation, or performance.

/dɪˈlɪvərd/

verbneutralIntermediate
Arts

To give a formal speech or performance.

The speaker delivered a captivating lecture.

💡 Simply: When someone gives a speech or performance, we say they 'delivered' it. It's like when an actor gives a great performance!

👶 For kids: To say words in a special way, like when you tell a story.

More Examples

2

The actor delivered his lines flawlessly.

3

She delivered an inspiring message.

How It's Used

Public Speaking

"The politician delivered a powerful speech at the rally."

Drama

"The actor delivered a memorable performance."

Tip:Think of a speech being 'delivered' to an audience.
3

To assist a woman in giving birth to a baby.

/dɪˈlɪvərd/

verbneutralIntermediate
General

To assist or cause the birth of a baby.

The midwife successfully delivered the baby.

💡 Simply: When a doctor helps a baby come into the world, we say they 'delivered' the baby.

👶 For kids: To help a baby be born.

More Examples

2

The hospital staff delivered care to the mother and baby.

How It's Used

Medicine

"The doctor delivered the baby safely."

Tip:Think of the doctor 'delivering' a baby to the parents.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Antonyms

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."

From Middle English deliveren, from Old French delivrer ('to free, rescue, hand over'), from Latin deliberare ('to consider, weigh carefully'), originally meaning 'to set free, release'.

Historically, 'deliver' was used extensively in legal and religious contexts, referring to freeing someone from danger or spiritual peril.

Memory tip

Imagine a mail carrier handing you a package – they are 'delivering' it.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to set free"

deliver a speechdeliver a packagedeliver a babydeliver on a promisedelivered to the customer

Common misspellings

delievereddeliveddelevered

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written