Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "mail" is /meɪl/.
/meɪl/
Word Form Variations
Noun: mail (singular, often uncountable), mails (plural, rare, usually refers to multiple dispatches or types of mail)
Verb: mail (base form), mails (third person singular present), mailing (present participle), mailed (past simple, past participle)
Adjective: mail (used attributively, e.g., "mail-order," "mail truck")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: The system by which letters and parcels are sent and delivered; postal service.
Synonyms: post, postal system, courier service, delivery service
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms; perhaps "personal delivery" or "face-to-face communication" as contrasting methods)
Definition 2: Letters and parcels that are sent or delivered, especially by a public postal system.
Synonyms: post, correspondence, letters, packages, deliveries, email (if electronic)
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms; perhaps "trash" or "junk" if unwanted mail)
Definition 3: (Historical) Flexible armor made of interlinked metal rings or scales, worn for protection.
Synonyms: chainmail, armor, hauberk, defensive covering
Antonyms: unarmored, unprotected, bare skin
Definition 4: (Informal, often capitalized 'Mail') A specific email service or platform.
Synonyms: email, inbox, messages, correspondence (electronic)
Antonyms: (No direct antonym, as it refers to a specific digital service)
Verb
Definition 1: To send (a letter or parcel) by post or email.
Synonyms: post, send, dispatch, transmit, ship, email (if electronic)
Antonyms: receive, get, accept, collect, retrieve
Definition 2: (In sports, informal) To strike or hit with great force, especially a ball.
Synonyms: hit, strike, smack, wallop, blast, drive
Antonyms: miss, fumble, drop, tap (lightly)
Adjective
Definition 1: Of or relating to the postal service or the delivery of items. (Used attributively)
Synonyms: postal, delivery, courier, shipping
Antonyms: (No direct antonym; perhaps "in-person" or "physical" as contrasting delivery methods)
Examples of Use
Books:
"He eagerly checked the post box every afternoon, hoping for a mail from his beloved overseas." (Fictional example from a romance or historical novel)
"The knight, clad in glistening chain mail, stood steadfast against the dragon's fiery breath." (Fictional example from a fantasy novel, e.g., The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien)
"The comprehensive guide on direct mail marketing strategies for small businesses." (From a non-fiction book on marketing)
Newspapers:
"Kenya Posta has introduced a new tracking system for registered mail parcels." ("The Standard,")
"The editor's office was flooded with reader mail regarding the recent article on climate change." ("Daily Nation,")
"Local authorities warned against opening suspicious mail packages after a recent security alert." ("The Star,")
Online Publications:
"How to protect your inbox from spam mail: Expert tips and recommended filters." (An article on a cybersecurity blog, e.g., "NortonLifeLock Blog,")
"Our new feature allows you to directly mail large files to your colleagues without attachment limits." (A software update announcement on a tech website, e.g., "Dropbox Blog,")
"Don't miss our exclusive discounts – sign up for our weekly promotional mail now!" (A call to action on an e-commerce site, e.g., "Jumia Kenya,")
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds." (Inscription on the James Farley Post Office in New York City, often recited in films about postal service or dedication) - This speaks to the essence of "mail" delivery.
Television Series: "Check the mailbox, darling. The university acceptance letter should be here today!" (Dialogue from a family drama, anticipating important "mail")
Song Lyrics: "No more lonely nights, since you brought your love to me. I'm so glad I got your mail today." (From a pop song, referring to a letter)
Video Games: "You've received new mail at the post office! Check your messages for new quests." (In-game notification, e.g., Animal Crossing)
Podcasts: "This week, we're diving into the history of chain mail armor and its evolution through the ages." (A podcast on historical weaponry or medieval times, e.g., "The History of English Podcast")
General Public Discourse:
"Did the mail come yet today?" (A common question in a household)
"I need to mail this letter to my grandmother by tomorrow." (A statement about sending post)
"My junk mail bin is always full; I get so much unsolicited stuff." (A complaint about unwanted deliveries)
"Be careful; that knight is wearing heavy mail armor." (Describing historical attire)
"Can you check my email for me? I'm expecting some important mail." (Informal use for electronic correspondence)
10 Famous Quotes Using Mail
"The Post Office just announced they're going to issue a stamp commemorating black jazz musician Muddy Waters. It's the first stamp you lick, stamp, and then mail to yourself." – Conan O'Brien
"I love receiving mail; it's like a tangible piece of someone else's day." – Pharrell Williams
"In the old days, a letter was sent by mail. Now, it's spammed in seconds." – Carl Bernstein
"Email is like laundry—it piles up if you don’t take care of it daily." – Gretchen Rubin
"You’ve got mail." – AOL tagline (made famous in the 1998 movie You've Got Mail)
"Junk mail is the only thing that arrives on time." – Anonymous
"I’m old-fashioned. I love the charm of real letters and the anticipation of opening the mail." – Taylor Swift
"Mail your packages early so the post office can lose them in time for Christmas." – Johnny Carson
"Opening someone else’s mail is a federal offense—unless you’re the NSA." – Stephen Colbert
"I think we all carry a mailbox of unspoken words we never had the courage to mail." – Atticus
Etymology
The word "mail" actually has two completely different origins, leading to its two main meanings today!
"Mail" as in letters and packages (postal system):
This meaning comes from the Middle English word male, which referred to a "traveling bag" or "pack." This word was borrowed from Old French (male) and ultimately has Germanic roots.
The idea here is that letters and parcels were carried in these bags. So, around the mid-17th century, the word "mail" began to refer specifically to the "bag full of letters."
By the late 17th century, it evolved further to mean the "letters and parcels themselves" generally, and then the entire "system of transmission by public post." So, it started as the bag that carried the letters, and then became the letters themselves, and then the whole delivery system.
"Mail" as in armor (chainmail):
This meaning comes from a different path. It entered English around the early 14th century from the Old French word maille.
Maille meant "a link of mail" or "mesh of a net."
This Old French word came from the Latin word macula, which originally meant "spot" or "blemish." The connection is thought to be that the gaps or holes in a net or mesh (like in chainmail) looked like spots.
So, the first known use of "mail" in English referring to flexible armor made of interlinked rings dates to this period. While "chainmail" is a common modern term, in medieval times, it was simply called "mail."
Phrases + Idioms Containing Mail
Junk mail: Unsolicited commercial advertisements or other unwanted mail.
Snail mail: (Informal, often humorous) Traditional postal mail, contrasted with email.
Email: Electronic mail.
Direct mail: Advertising material sent directly to potential customers by post.
Mail order: A system of buying goods by post, rather than in a shop.
In the mail: On its way or already sent by postal service.
Mail drop: A location where mail can be received for someone, often anonymously.
Mail slot/box: An opening in a door or a box where mail is delivered.
To post a letter/package: (British English equivalent) To send mail.
Registered mail: Mail that is recorded by the post office to ensure delivery or provide proof of sending.
Mail-in rebate: A refund offered by a manufacturer that requires the customer to mail in proof of purchase.
Through the post: (British English) Via the postal service. (Synonym for "by mail")
Digital correspondence: (Synonym for email) Electronic written communication.
Armored defense: Protection using a suit of armor. (Synonym for "wearing mail")
Out for delivery: (Shipping term) Mail or package is currently on its way to the recipient.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of mail from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
