conˈcoction: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal to neutral; can be used humorously or pejoratively.
Quick answer
What does “conˈcoction” mean?
A mixture of various ingredients or elements, especially one that is unusual, inventive, or prepared in a complex way.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A mixture of various ingredients or elements, especially one that is unusual, inventive, or prepared in a complex way.
A story, plan, or idea that is invented or fabricated, often in a clever or deceitful manner.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Slightly more common in British English in culinary contexts. In American English, may be used more frequently in metaphorical senses (e.g., 'a concoction of lies').
Frequency
Low-frequency word in both varieties, but understood by educated speakers.
Grammar
How to Use “conˈcoction” in a Sentence
[Adj] concoction of [NP]concoction [that-clause]concoction [to-INF]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “conˈcoction” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He managed to concoct an excuse about train delays.
- She concocts a wonderful soup from leftovers.
American English
- They concocted a plan to sneak into the concert.
- He concocted a potent drink in his garage.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverb from 'concoction'. 'Concoctedly' is non-standard.)
American English
- (No standard adverb from 'concoction'.)
adjective
British English
- The concoctive process was quite fascinating.
- (Note: 'concoctive' is very rare)
American English
- Her concoctive skills in the kitchen are legendary.
- (Note: 'concoctive' is very rare)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might describe a complex financial instrument or a dubious business plan (e.g., 'The merger was a risky concoction of debt and speculation').
Academic
Used in history, literature, or social sciences to describe fabricated narratives or ideological blends (e.g., 'The national myth was a historical concoction').
Everyday
Most common for describing drinks, food, or homemade remedies (e.g., 'She made a healthy concoction of ginger and lemon').
Technical
In chemistry/pharmacy, can describe a prepared mixture, often with a hint of non-standard formulation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “conˈcoction”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “conˈcoction”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “conˈcoction”
- Misspelling as 'concoction' (missing 'c').
- Incorrect stress on first syllable (CON-coction).
- Using for simple, natural mixtures (e.g., 'a concoction of sand and water' is odd).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'concoction' implies invention, artificiality, or a certain unusualness in the combining process. A 'mixture' is a more general, neutral term for combined elements.
Yes, it can be positive when highlighting creativity and skill, as in 'a delicious concoction' or 'an ingenious concoction'.
The verb is 'to concoct'. It means to make something by mixing ingredients, or to invent a story or plan.
It is mid-formal. It is understood in everyday speech but is more common in writing and descriptive contexts than basic synonyms like 'mix'.
A mixture of various ingredients or elements, especially one that is unusual, inventive, or prepared in a complex way.
Conˈcoction: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈkɒk.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˈkɑːk.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a witch's brew/concoction”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CHEF in a KITCHEN (con-COC-tion) throwing things into a pot to CONCOCT something new.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS ARE FOOD/DRINK ('concoct a story', 'a concoction of lies'); CREATION IS COOKING.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'concoction' LEAST appropriate?