Delivered vs. Sent: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sara Rehman || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on November 14, 2023
"Sent" refers to the act of dispatching an item or message, while "delivered" means the item or message has successfully reached its destination.
Key Differences
"Delivered" implies successful arrival at a destination or receipt by the intended recipient, while "sent" simply means the act of dispatching or transmitting something, with no implication of its receipt.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
In the context of mail or packages, "delivered" means the item has reached its final destination, whereas "sent" indicates the item has been dispatched but not necessarily received.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
"Delivered" often carries the connotation of completion, such as fulfilling a promise or obligation, whereas "sent" suggests the initiation of a process, like sending a letter or email.
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023
In digital communications, "delivered" is used when a message has reached the recipient's device, while "sent" means the message has been transmitted from the sender's device.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
"Delivered" can also imply conveying a message or speech effectively, while "sent" can refer to the broader act of causing something to go or be taken to a place.
Harlon Moss
Nov 14, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Context (Mail or Packages)
Reached the final destination
Dispatched but not necessarily received
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Digital Communications
Message reached recipient's device
Message transmitted from sender's device
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023
Broader Use
Effectively conveyed message or speech
Causing something to go or be taken
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
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Delivered and Sent Definitions
Delivered
Gave birth to a baby.
She delivered a healthy baby girl last night.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
Sent
Caused to be taken or conveyed to a place.
She sent a letter to her friend overseas.
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023
Delivered
Successfully brought to a destination.
The package was delivered to her doorstep.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
Sent
Caused to move or shift from one place to another.
The wind sent the leaves swirling through the air.
Harlon Moss
Nov 14, 2023
Delivered
Fulfilled or carried out a promise or task.
He delivered on his promise to complete the project.
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023
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Delivered
Presented a speech or lecture effectively.
The keynote speaker delivered an inspiring address.
Harlon Moss
Nov 14, 2023
Sent
Ordered or instructed someone to go somewhere.
The manager sent the employee on a business trip.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
Delivered
Provided or supplied a service or good.
The restaurant delivered meals to our office.
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023
Delivered
To bring or transport to the proper place or recipient; distribute
Deliver groceries.
Deliver the mail.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 16, 2023
Delivered
To surrender (someone or something) to another; hand over
Delivered the criminal to the police.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 16, 2023
Delivered
To secure (something promised or desired), as for a candidate or political party
Campaign workers who delivered the ward for the mayor.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 16, 2023
Delivered
To assist (a woman) in giving birth
The doctor delivered her of twins.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 16, 2023
Delivered
To give forth or produce
An oil well that delivered thousands of barrels a day.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 16, 2023
Delivered
To set free, as from captivity, peril, or evil
Deliver a captive from slavery.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 16, 2023
Delivered
(in combination) That has been, or will be, delivered in a specific manner.
Delivered duty paid;
Delivered ex ship
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 16, 2023
FAQs
Does "sent" apply to digital communications?
Yes, it's commonly used for emails, texts, and online messages.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Does "delivered" mean the recipient has the item?
Yes, it implies the recipient has received the item.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Can "sent" indicate an item is still in transit?
Yes, "sent" means it's on its way but not necessarily arrived yet.
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023
Is "delivered" used in legal contexts?
Yes, particularly regarding the fulfillment of contracts or obligations.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Can "delivered" mean providing a service?
Yes, like a company delivering goods or services.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
Can "delivered" refer to performances?
Yes, like delivering a speech or presentation effectively.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Does "delivered" imply responsibility?
Often, as it suggests completing a task or obligation.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
Is "delivered" used in medical contexts?
Yes, particularly in the context of childbirth.
Harlon Moss
Nov 14, 2023
Can "sent" mean someone was caused to go somewhere?
Yes, like being sent on an errand or mission.
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023
Can "delivered" be used metaphorically?
Yes, like delivering a point in a debate.
Harlon Moss
Nov 14, 2023
Does "sent" imply successful receipt?
Not necessarily; it means dispatched but not always received.
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023
Can "delivered" refer to outcomes?
Yes, like delivering results or outcomes of a project.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Is "sent" a term used in sports?
It can be, like sending a ball to a teammate.
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023
Does "sent" apply to feelings or thoughts?
It can, like sending good wishes or thoughts.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
Can "sent" refer to historical dispatches?
Yes, like sending a telegram or a carrier pigeon.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
Does "sent" imply a starting point?
Yes, it indicates the origin or commencement of a transmission or journey.
Harlon Moss
Nov 14, 2023
Is "sent" used for both physical and electronic items?
Yes, it applies to both tangible items and digital messages.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Is "delivered" used in culinary contexts?
Yes, like food being delivered to a customer.
Harlon Moss
Nov 14, 2023
Does "delivered" apply to digital content?
It can, like a digital product being successfully received.
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023
Is "sent" used in military contexts?
Yes, like being sent on a mission or deployment.
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sara RehmanSara Rehman is a seasoned writer and editor with extensive experience at Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Information Technology, she combines her academic prowess with her passion for writing to deliver insightful and well-researched content.
