Is 'commingle' just a fancy word for 'mix'?

Not exactly. While they are synonyms, 'commingle' often implies a deeper, more intimate mixing where the original components lose their individual identity, and it is the preferred formal/legal term for improper mixing of assets.

What is the difference between 'commingle' and 'mingle'?

'Mingle' often refers to people socialising or things mixing loosely (the guests mingled). 'Commingle' suggests a more thorough, often physical or legal, blending (the rivers commingled their waters; commingled funds).

Is 'comingle' an acceptable spelling?

While sometimes seen, most authoritative dictionaries and style guides list 'commingle' as the standard spelling. 'Commingle' is always the safe choice, especially in formal writing.

Can 'commingle' be used intransitively?

Yes. Transitive: 'He commingled the paints.' Intransitive: 'The paints commingled on the canvas.'

Is “commingle” formal?

Commingle is usually formal; technical (legal, financial). in register.

How do you pronounce “commingle”?

Commingle: in British English it is pronounced /kɒˈmɪŋɡl/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈmɪŋɡəl/ or /koʊˈmɪŋɡəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

commingle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

UK/kɒˈmɪŋɡl/US/kəˈmɪŋɡəl/ or /koʊˈmɪŋɡəl/

Formal; technical (legal, financial).

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “commingle” mean?

To mix two or more different things together thoroughly.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

To mix two or more different things together thoroughly.

To cause to blend or become combined, often implying the loss of distinction between the original components, used for both physical substances and abstract concepts (e.g., funds, ideas).

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

More commonly used in American English, particularly in legal and financial contexts (e.g., commingling of funds). In British English, 'mix', 'mingle', 'amalgamate', or 'blend' are more frequent in general usage.

Connotations

In both varieties, the word can imply a problematic or improper mixing in formal contexts (e.g., a lawyer must not commingle client funds with personal funds).

Frequency

Low-frequency in everyday speech for both, but higher relative frequency in American legal/business jargon.

Grammar

How to Use “commingle” in a Sentence

commingle (something) with somethingcommingle (something)things commingle

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

fundsassetsproperty

medium

ideascultureselementsstreams

weak

peopleflavoursstyles

Examples

Examples of “commingle” in a Sentence

verb

British English

Trustees are strictly prohibited from commingling trust assets with their own.
Over centuries, linguistic elements from various invaders commingled to form the dialect.

American English

It is illegal for a broker to commingle investor funds with the firm's money.
In the estuary, freshwater and saltwater commingle.

adverb

British English

N/A - not standard usage.

American English

N/A - not standard usage.

adjective

British English

The commingled waste stream requires special processing.
N/A for common usage.

American English

The court identified the account as containing commingled assets.
N/A for common usage.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

A breach of fiduciary duty occurs if you commingle client assets with the firm's operating capital.

Academic

The study explores how myth and history commingle in the nation's founding narrative.

Everyday

In the crowded market, the smells of spices and flowers commingled in the air.

Technical

The geologist noted where the two lava flows had commingled, creating a unique hybrid rock.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “commingle”

Strong

amalgamate intermingle fuse

Neutral

mix blend combine

Weak

mingle intermix merge

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “commingle”

separate segregate divide partition

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “commingle”

Misspelling as 'comingle' (common but often considered non-standard).
Using it for casual mixing where 'mix' or 'mingle' is sufficient, making speech sound stilted.
Incorrect transitive use: 'They commingled the parties' (awkward). Better: 'The guests commingled' (intransitive) or 'He commingled the funds' (transitive).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: Not exactly. While they are synonyms, 'commingle' often implies a deeper, more intimate mixing where the original components lose their individual identity, and it is the preferred formal/legal term for improper mixing of assets.
: 'Mingle' often refers to people socialising or things mixing loosely (the guests mingled). 'Commingle' suggests a more thorough, often physical or legal, blending (the rivers commingled their waters; commingled funds).
: While sometimes seen, most authoritative dictionaries and style guides list 'commingle' as the standard spelling. 'Commingle' is always the safe choice, especially in formal writing.
: Yes. Transitive: 'He commingled the paints.' Intransitive: 'The paints commingled on the canvas.'
: To mix two or more different things together thoroughly.
: Commingle is usually formal; technical (legal, financial). in register.
: Commingle: in British English it is pronounced /kɒˈmɪŋɡl/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈmɪŋɡəl/ or /koʊˈmɪŋɡəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“Commingle funds (a set legal/business phrase)”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of CO-MINGLE: CO (together) + MINGLE (mix socially). Things that 'commingle' are mixed together intimately.

Conceptual Metaphor

BLENDING IS UNIFYING / CORRUPTION IS MIXING (when used negatively in legal contexts).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

To avoid accusations of malpractice, the solicitor must ensure she does not client funds with those of her practice.

Multiple Choice

In which context is 'commingle' most precisely and commonly used?