combination
C1Formal, technical, general.
Definition
Meaning
A result or process formed by joining two or more things together; a mixture or amalgamation of distinct elements.
1. A sequence of numbers or letters used to open a lock. 2. In mathematics, a selection of items from a collection where order does not matter. 3. In chess, a deliberate series of moves designed to gain an advantage.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
"Combination" implies a unified whole formed from distinct parts, often suggesting a deliberate or purposeful joining. It differs from 'mixture' by often implying a structured or functional relationship between the components.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Generally neutral. In both varieties, it can have a positive connotation when referring to successful partnerships (e.g., a winning combination) or a neutral/technical one in other contexts.
Frequency
Equally common in both BrE and AmE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
combination of [NP] (and [NP])in combination with [NP]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “combination lock”
- “in combination with”
- “the combination of the two”
- “try every combination in the book”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The merger created a powerful combination of market share and technical expertise."
Academic
"The study examined the combination of genetic and environmental factors."
Everyday
"I forgot the combination to my bike lock."
Technical
"Enter the security key combination Ctrl+Alt+Del."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The chef will combine the flavours masterfully.
- We need to combine our efforts to finish the project.
American English
- The coach will combine the best plays from last season.
- They decided to combine their companies.
adverb
British English
- The ingredients are combinedly responsible for the effect.
- The funds were used combinedly for research and development.
American English
- The departments worked combinedly on the initiative.
- The data sets were analyzed combinedly.
adjective
British English
- The combined force of the two armies was formidable.
- She used a combined approach of therapy and medication.
American English
- The combined score was enough to win the game.
- He has a combined major in physics and philosophy.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I like the combination of cheese and tomato.
- What is the combination for the safe?
- The right combination of hard work and talent leads to success.
- He couldn't remember the four-digit combination.
- The novel is an intriguing combination of historical fact and fiction.
- A combination of factors contributed to the economic downturn.
- The therapy uses a combination of cognitive behavioural techniques and mindfulness.
- The researcher examined all possible combinations of the variables.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COMBO meal: it's a COMBination of a burger, fries, and a drink.
Conceptual Metaphor
A RECIPE (the right combination of ingredients leads to success). A TEAM (a combination of players works together).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of "комбинация" when it means 'scheme' or 'trick' (a shady deal). English 'combination' does not carry this negative, deceptive connotation. It also does not mean 'large enterprise' or 'factory' (комбинат).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'combination' for a simple list of unrelated items (use 'collection').
- Confusing 'combination' (order irrelevant) with 'permutation' (order relevant) in mathematics.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'combination' used CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily a countable noun (e.g., 'several combinations'). It can be uncountable when referring to the general act or process of combining.
'Mixture' often implies things blended together so the parts are indistinguishable (e.g., cake batter). 'Combination' more often implies the parts remain distinct but function together as a unit (e.g., a combination of skills).
It is a prepositional phrase meaning 'together with'. Example: 'This medicine should be taken in combination with a healthy diet.'
No, the verb form is 'combine'. 'Combination' is only a noun.