combinations: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2 (High frequency, common in academic and general discourse)Neutral to formal; common in academic, technical, and business contexts.
Quick answer
What does “combinations” mean?
A result or product of combining different things.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A result or product of combining different things; a grouping of separate elements into a single set or sequence.
In mathematics, a selection of items from a collection where order does not matter. In fashion, a set of matching garments. In lock/key systems, a specific sequence of numbers or movements.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in core meaning. In specific domains like gambling ('football combinations'), the term may be more established in UK betting parlance. In US business, 'combinations' often refers explicitly to corporate mergers.
Connotations
Largely identical. Both varieties use it neutrally for grouping and mathematically.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “combinations” in a Sentence
combination of [noun plural] (e.g., a combination of factors)combination with [noun] (e.g., effective in combination with therapy)in combination (adverbial phrase)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “combinations” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The software combines data from multiple sources.
- We need to combine our efforts to succeed.
American English
- The recipe combines chocolate and peanut butter.
- The companies will combine their resources.
adverb
British English
- The medicines, taken combinatively, proved highly effective.
- The two systems work combinatively.
American English
- The therapies are used combinatorially to treat the disease.
- The data sets were analysed combinatorially.
adjective
British English
- The combined fleet set sail.
- She felt a combined sense of joy and relief.
American English
- The combined score decided the winner.
- There was a combined effort from all departments.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to corporate mergers, strategic partnerships, or product bundles (e.g., 'The new service is a combination of cloud storage and analytics').
Academic
Used in mathematics, statistics, chemistry, and social sciences to describe groupings or interactions of variables/elements.
Everyday
Commonly used for food pairings, outfit choices, or password/security codes.
Technical
In computing: keyboard shortcuts (key combinations). In genetics: allele combinations. In cryptography: cipher combinations.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “combinations”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “combinations”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “combinations”
- Using 'combinations' for ordered sequences (use 'permutations' in maths).
- Misspelling as 'combinitions' or 'combanations'.
- Using a singular verb with 'combinations' (e.g., 'The combinations is...' is incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In mathematics, a 'combination' is a selection of items where order does NOT matter (choosing a committee). A 'permutation' is an arrangement where order DOES matter (arranging winners in 1st, 2nd, 3rd place).
It is primarily a countable noun (e.g., 'several combinations', 'a few combinations'). The singular 'combination' is also countable.
Not directly. The related adjective is 'combinatorial' or 'combined'. However, it is often used in noun modifiers like 'combination lock' or 'combination therapy'.
A common mistake is using it to refer to ordered sequences in technical contexts where 'permutations' is correct. Another is subject-verb agreement error ('combinations are', not 'combinations is').
A result or product of combining different things.
Combinations is usually neutral to formal; common in academic, technical, and business contexts. in register.
Combinations: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒmbɪˈneɪʃ(ə)nz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːmbɪˈneɪʃ(ə)nz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Lock, stock and barrel (implies a complete combination)”
- “The whole kit and caboodle”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COMBO meal at a fast-food restaurant: it's a COMBINATION of a burger, fries, and a drink.
Conceptual Metaphor
BLENDING/COOKING (combining ingredients), CONSTRUCTION (building from parts), CHEMISTRY (elements reacting).
Practice
Quiz
In which context does 'combinations' specifically imply that the order of elements is NOT important?