connection
C2 (Very High Frequency)Neutral (used across formal, informal, and technical contexts)
Definition
Meaning
A relationship in which a person, thing, or idea is linked or associated with something else.
A link between electrical components or a transfer point in a public transport system; also, a personal or professional acquaintance who can provide influence or assistance.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word primarily denotes a state of being joined or linked. It can be physical (e.g., pipes, wires), abstract (e.g., ideas, feelings), or social (e.g., relationships, contacts). The plural 'connections' often implies influential acquaintances.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor spelling difference: 'connection' is standard in both, but 'connexion' is a rare, archaic British variant. In rail transport, 'connection' is used in both, but the related term 'rail connection' might be more common in UK official usage.
Connotations
Largely identical. In business contexts, 'having connections' has the same connotation of useful contacts in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
connection between A and Bconnection to somethingconnection with someone/somethingconnection in somethingconnection from A to BVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in connection with”
- “draw a connection between”
- “miss the connection (transport)”
- “a connection on the inside”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to professional networks, contacts, and supply chain/logistics links. E.g., 'We have a connection at the ministry who can expedite the permit.'
Academic
Used to describe logical, causal, or thematic links between concepts, events, or data points. E.g., 'The paper explores the connection between sleep deprivation and cognitive performance.'
Everyday
Pertains to personal relationships, phone/internet service, and travel. E.g., 'My flight connection in Frankfurt was very tight.'
Technical
In IT/engineering, denotes a physical or logical link enabling data transfer or electrical continuity. E.g., 'Check the cable connection to the server rack.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Can you connect me to the manager, please?
- The tunnel will connect the two boroughs.
American English
- Connect the HDMI cable to the port on the back.
- I'm trying to connect with old friends on social media.
adverb
British English
- The concepts were presented connectedly, making the lecture easy to follow.
American English
- He argued his case connectedly and persuasively.
adjective
British English
- The connected rooms were perfect for the family.
- We live in a highly connected world.
American English
- Make sure the device is connected to Wi-Fi.
- She is well-connected in the art scene.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- There is a train connection to the city centre.
- I have a bad internet connection today.
- Scientists found a connection between healthy diet and longer life.
- We missed our connection in Chicago because of the delay.
- The article draws a tenuous connection between the two historical events.
- His family has connections in the publishing industry.
- The prosecutor alleged a clandestine financial connection between the lobbyist and the senator.
- Her work explores the intricate connections between memory, place, and identity.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of CONNECT + ION. You need a strong CONNECTion to the INTERNET to finish your mission.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONNECTIONS ARE PATHS/BRIDGES (e.g., 'build bridges', 'a direct line'), CONNECTIONS ARE THREADS IN A FABRIC (e.g., 'the social fabric', 'a thread connecting them').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'connection' for every instance of 'связь'. In technical contexts, 'link' or 'communication channel' might be better. For 'знакомство', use 'contact' or 'acquaintance' unless influence is implied.
- The phrase 'в связи с' is usually translated as 'in connection with' but can often be more naturally rendered as 'due to', 'because of', or 'regarding'.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling: 'conection' (missing 'n') or 'connetcion' (wrong order).
- Wrong preposition: using 'connection of' instead of 'connection between' for linking two items.
- Overuse in translations where a simpler word like 'link' or 'relationship' is more appropriate.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'connection' used to mean 'a social or professional contact'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are often interchangeable. 'Connection to' can emphasize a direct, often physical or logistical link (e.g., connection to the mains). 'Connection with' is common for abstract or personal relationships (e.g., a connection with nature). However, usage overlaps significantly.
'Connexion' is an archaic British English spelling that is now extremely rare. You should always use 'connection' in modern writing, regardless of dialect.
No, 'connection' is a noun. The verb form is 'connect'. Using 'connection' as a verb (e.g., 'I will connection the wires') is incorrect.
In travel, a 'transfer' often implies staying on the same ticket/reservation but changing vehicles. A 'connection' can be a more general term for the linking of two transport services, but the terms are frequently used synonymously. A 'tight connection' means very little time between services.
Collections
Part of a collection
Travel Vocabulary
A2 · 50 words · Words for getting around, booking trips and visiting new places.
Relationships
B1 · 49 words · Vocabulary for interpersonal and social connections.
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