link
HighNeutral
Definition
Meaning
A connection or relationship between two things, people, or places.
A physical piece of a chain; a hyperlink on the internet; a unit in a communication system; a relationship or connection between ideas.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Both a noun and a verb. Can denote physical connection (a chain link) or abstract relationship (a link between smoking and cancer). In computing, it refers to a clickable connection (hyperlink).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both use 'link' identically in most contexts.
Connotations
Identical.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
link A to/with Blink togetherbe linked toVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.”
- “The missing link.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
We need to establish a clear link between marketing spend and sales growth.
Academic
The study found a significant link between socioeconomic status and educational outcomes.
Everyday
Can you send me the link to that video you mentioned?
Technical
The router establishes a secure link between the two networks.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The new railway will link the two cities.
- Police are linking the two crimes.
American English
- The study links diet to heart disease.
- Can you link your phone to the car's Bluetooth?
adverb
British English
- (Not standard; 'link' is not used as an adverb.)
American English
- (Not standard; 'link' is not used as an adverb.)
adjective
British English
- The link road is now open to traffic.
American English
- Click the link button to connect the devices.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Here is a link to my website.
- A chain has many links.
- Scientists have discovered a link between exercise and happiness.
- The bridge links the old town with the new district.
- The article provides several useful links for further reading.
- Historical evidence links the two events, suggesting a common cause.
- The diplomat served as a crucial link between the warring factions.
- Their research aims to link quantum theory with gravitational phenomena.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a chain: each LINK connects to the next.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONNECTIONS ARE LINKS (e.g., forging links, breaking links).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'линк' (slang borrowing) in IT contexts; it's still 'link' in English.
- Avoid using 'link' for 'связь' in very abstract, emotional contexts (e.g., 'spiritual связь' is not a 'link').
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I linked the problem.' Correct: 'I linked the problem to a deeper issue.'
- Incorrect preposition: 'link A to B' is more common than 'link A with B', though both are acceptable.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the phrase 'the missing link'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In computing contexts, yes, they are synonyms. 'Hyperlink' is more formal/technical.
Yes, but attributively (before a noun), e.g., 'link road', 'link verb'.
They are often synonymous. 'Link' can imply a stronger, more integral connection, while 'connect' is more general.
Not exactly. A URL is the specific web address. A 'link' (hypertext link) uses a URL to connect one document to another.