'communicate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'communicare', where 'com-' meant 'together' and 'communis' meant 'common' (shared).

'communicate' changed from Late Latin 'communicare' and Old French 'comunicar' into Middle English forms (e.g. 'communicaten') and eventually became the modern English 'communicate'.

Initially it meant 'to make common or share', but over time it evolved into its current primary meaning of 'to convey or exchange information'.