conjugate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “conjugate” mean?
To give the different inflected forms of a verb.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To give the different inflected forms of a verb; to list or describe the various forms a verb takes based on tense, person, number, mood, etc.
1. To join or unite, especially in a pair or pairs. 2. (Biology) To undergo conjugation (the temporary union of two organisms for the exchange of genetic material). 3. (Chemistry) To be linked with another compound or atom in a manner involving alternating single and double bonds. 4. (Mathematics) Having a mathematical relationship where one is the complex counterpart of another.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The core grammatical term is identical. Minor spelling variations may apply in derived forms (e.g., 'conjugable' vs. 'conjugatable' is rare for both).
Connotations
Equally formal and technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American academic contexts due to larger Spanish/French language learner populations, but the difference is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “conjugate” in a Sentence
[Subject] + conjugate + [Object (verb/noun)] (transitive)[Subject (verb)] + conjugates + [Adverbial] (intransitive)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “conjugate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Can you conjugate 'to be' in the past perfect?
- The verb 'to go' conjugates irregularly.
American English
- You need to conjugate these verbs for homework.
- How does this verb conjugate in the subjunctive mood?
adverb
British English
- The cells divided conjugately.
American English
- The bonds are arranged conjugately in the ring.
adjective
British English
- They studied conjugate angles in geometry.
- The chemist analysed the conjugate base.
American English
- The two theories are conjugate aspects of the same model.
- They identified a conjugate pair in the solution.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in a metaphorical sense: 'The two departments need to conjugate their efforts for the project.'
Academic
Common in linguistics, language learning, biology, and chemistry texts. 'Students must conjugate the following Latin verbs.'
Everyday
Almost exclusively used by language learners. 'I'm struggling to conjugate Spanish verbs.'
Technical
Precise use in biology (bacterial conjugation), chemistry (conjugated bonds), and mathematics (complex conjugates).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “conjugate”
- Using 'conjugate' for nouns (the correct term is 'decline'). 'He conjugated the noun' is incorrect.
- Pronouncing the verb form with a schwa (/ə/) at the end instead of /eɪt/.
- Using it as a general synonym for 'combine' outside technical contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily yes, in grammar. However, in mathematics, biology, and chemistry, it is used as an adjective or verb with different meanings related to pairing or linking.
'Conjugate' refers to changing the form of verbs according to tense, person, etc. 'Decline' refers to changing the form of nouns, pronouns, and adjectives according to case, number, and gender.
It is uncommon in casual conversation unless discussing language learning. It is predominantly an academic or technical term.
The main noun forms are 'conjugation' (for the process or result of conjugating, especially in grammar) and 'conjugate' (used in chemistry/biology/maths to refer to one of a paired set).
To give the different inflected forms of a verb.
Conjugate is usually formal, academic, technical in register.
Conjugate: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒndʒəɡeɪt/ (verb), /ˈkɒndʒəɡət/ (adjective), and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːndʒəɡeɪt/ (verb), /ˈkɑːndʒəɡət/ (adjective). Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CONtrolled JUGgling ACT. You need to control and juggle all the different forms (acts) of a verb.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE IS A LIVING ORGANISM (verbs change/adapt), UNION IS PHYSICAL CONNECTION (yoking together).
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following sentences is 'conjugate' used in a NON-GRAMMATICAL sense?