conjoin: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic, Technical, Legal
Quick answer
What does “conjoin” mean?
To join or combine two or more things together.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To join or combine two or more things together; to unite.
To come together formally (as in a legal partnership or marriage); to link conceptually or physically.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning. Slightly more common in formal British legal and academic contexts, but usage is parallel.
Connotations
Both dialects share formal/literary connotations. In American English, it might sound more exclusively technical or academic.
Frequency
Low frequency in both dialects. Arguably slightly more prevalent in British legal/formal documents.
Grammar
How to Use “conjoin” in a Sentence
[transitive] conjoin A and B[intransitive] A and B conjoinVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “conjoin” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The two departments will conjoin for the research project.
- The legal documents conjoin the assets of the two estates.
American English
- The treaty conjoins the economic interests of both nations.
- Theories from psychology and sociology conjoin in this model.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverb form. 'Conjointly' is possible but very rare.
American English
- No standard adverb form. 'Conjointly' is possible but very rare.
adjective
British English
- The conjoined efforts of the team led to success. (Note: 'conjoined' is the adjective form)
American English
- They filed a conjoined lawsuit against the corporation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in formal strategy: "We must conjoin our marketing and sales efforts."
Academic
Common in philosophy, linguistics, and logic: "The study conjoins empirical data with theoretical analysis."
Everyday
Very rare. Sounds overly formal: 'Let's conjoin our picnic blankets' would be unnatural.
Technical
Used in medicine (conjoined twins), law (conjoined actions), and grammar (conjoined clauses).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “conjoin”
- Using it in casual speech.
- Confusing with 'adjoin' (to be next to).
- Misspelling as 'conjoine'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word. 'Combine', 'join', or 'unite' are more common choices.
'Conjoin' is more formal and often implies a more conceptual, integral, or formal union. 'Join' is general-purpose and can be used in any context.
Yes, though less common. E.g., 'Where the two rivers conjoin.'
'Conjunction' is the primary noun form, though it has broader meanings (grammatical, astronomical). 'Conjoinment' is extremely rare.
To join or combine two or more things together.
Conjoin is usually formal, academic, technical, legal in register.
Conjoin: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈdʒɔɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˈdʒɔɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “conjoined twins”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CONtractor JOINing two buildings together = CONJOIN.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNITY IS PHYSICAL CONNECTION (ideas/concepts are tangible objects that can be linked).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'conjoin' MOST appropriately used?