constellation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal/Technical
Quick answer
What does “constellation” mean?
A group of stars forming a recognizable pattern that is traditionally named after its apparent form or a mythological figure.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A group of stars forming a recognizable pattern that is traditionally named after its apparent form or a mythological figure.
A group or cluster of related or similar people, things, or phenomena; a configuration or arrangement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or spelling.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American media and business jargon (e.g., 'a constellation of products'), but the difference is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “constellation” in a Sentence
[constellation] of [noun plural] (a constellation of satellites)The [noun] constellation (The Orion constellation)In/Within the constellation (a star in the constellation Ursa Major)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “constellation” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a verb.
American English
- Not applicable as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable as a primary adjective. Derivative: 'constellatory' (extremely rare).
American English
- Not applicable as a primary adjective. Derivative: 'constellatory' (extremely rare).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a group of related companies, products, or services (e.g., 'the firm's constellation of media assets').
Academic
Used in astronomy, sociology (e.g., 'a constellation of social factors'), and literary theory.
Everyday
Primarily used for star-gazing or figuratively for any notable group (e.g., 'a constellation of talented artists').
Technical
Precise term in astronomy; also used in satellite networks (e.g., 'a GPS constellation').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “constellation”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “constellation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “constellation”
- Misspelling: 'constallation' (missing 'e'). Incorrect article: 'He is a constellation' (for a single star/sun). Overusing the figurative sense in simple contexts where 'group' or 'set' is sufficient.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
There are 88 officially recognized constellations, as defined by the International Astronomical Union.
No, by definition, a constellation is a group of stars. A single star is just a 'star' or 'sun'.
Yes, the figurative use is generally considered formal or literary. In everyday speech, 'group' or 'cluster' is more common.
A constellation is an officially recognized area of the sky with defined boundaries. An asterism is a recognizable star pattern within a constellation (like the Big Dipper, which is part of Ursa Major) or spanning multiple constellations.
A group of stars forming a recognizable pattern that is traditionally named after its apparent form or a mythological figure.
Constellation: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒn.stəˈleɪ.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːn.stəˈleɪ.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A constellation of problems/issues (a set of interconnected difficulties)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CON (together) + STELLA (Latin for star) + TION (state of) = a state of stars together.
Conceptual Metaphor
ORGANIZATION IS A CONSTELLATION (e.g., 'the political constellation in Europe'); PROBLEMS ARE CONSTELLATIONS (e.g., 'a constellation of symptoms').
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'constellation' used in its most literal and technical sense?