connect
B1 (Upper Intermediate)Neutral. Used across all registers from formal to informal.
Definition
Meaning
To join or fasten things together, or to establish a link between two or more entities, ideas, or people.
To form or have a relationship with someone/something; to make sense of different elements; to successfully join a communication network (like phone or internet).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies establishing a meaningful or functional link, not just physical contact. Can be transitive (connect A to B) or intransitive (A and B connect). In computing, commonly used for network/device linkage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor spelling differences in derived forms (e.g., BrE 'connection' vs. AmE 'connection'/'connexion', though latter is archaic). Phrasing: AmE more likely to use 'connect with' for relational meaning, BrE uses both 'connect to' and 'connect with'.
Connotations
Both similar. In business, 'connect' implies networking. In tech, identical meaning.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both dialects. Slightly higher in AmE corporate jargon ('let's connect').
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] connect [to/with NP][NP] connect [NP] [to/with NP][NP] and [NP] connect[NP] connect [that-clause] (rare)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “connect the dots”
- “a connecting flight”
- “strike a connection”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to networking, establishing professional relationships, or linking departments/systems.
Academic
Used to describe linking theories, ideas, or data points.
Everyday
Joining devices, meeting people, understanding relationships between events.
Technical
Establishing electrical, network, or mechanical linkages.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- First, connect the HDMI lead to your television.
- I don't connect with people who are dishonest.
- The M1 motorway connects London to Leeds.
American English
- Connect the printer to your computer with the USB cable.
- I really connected with her during our conversation.
- This flight connects through Chicago.
adverb
British English
- The rooms are connectively arranged.
- Not commonly used as a pure adverb.
American English
- The systems work connectedly.
- Not commonly used as a pure adverb.
adjective
British English
- The connecting flight was delayed.
- We waited in the connecting lounge.
American English
- Make sure you have all connecting flight information.
- The connecting tunnel between the buildings is closed.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Connect the phone to the charger.
- The two towns connect by a bridge.
- Can you connect your laptop to the projector?
- The story connects the past with the present.
- The new evidence helped police connect him to the crime.
- It's difficult to connect with colleagues when working remotely.
- The author skillfully connects disparate historical narratives to form a coherent thesis.
- Quantum theory connects in fascinating ways with principles of philosophy.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CON + NE + CT: Imagine CONstruction workers NEeding to ConnecT pipes.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELATIONSHIPS ARE PHYSICAL CONNECTIONS (e.g., 'We have a strong connection'). KNOWLEDGE IS A WEB (e.g., 'connecting ideas').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not always перевод 'соединять' in relational sense; for people, often 'find common ground'.
- False friend with 'коннектить' (slang borrow). In formal English, avoid using 'connect' as slang for 'meet up'.
- Don't overuse 'connect' for simple 'put together'; use 'attach' or 'join' for physical actions.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect preposition: 'connect on' instead of 'connect to' for devices.
- Using as noun: 'We have a good connect.' (Correct: 'connection').
- Spelling: 'conect' (missing 'n').
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'connect' used metaphorically?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are correct, with nuance: 'connect to' often for physical/technical links (connect to Wi-Fi). 'Connect with' for relational/abstract links (connect with an audience).
'Connection' is the standard noun. 'Connect' as a noun is informal/slang (e.g., 'a good connect' in networking contexts).
Yes: e.g., 'The two ideas connect neatly' or 'The train cars connect automatically.'
'Connect' implies a link between distinct entities that remain separate. 'Combine' implies merging into a single entity.
Collections
Part of a collection
Technology Basics
A2 · 48 words · Everyday technology and digital devices.