mingle
B2Neutral to formal in social contexts; neutral for describing mixtures.
Definition
Meaning
To mix or combine, typically in a social context where people join together, or for things to become intermingled.
To move freely and talk informally among a group at a social event; to combine or be combined without losing individual characteristics; to involve oneself in a situation or group.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used as a verb. The subject can be people (socializing), emotions, sounds, substances, or abstract qualities. Often implies a gentle, non-disruptive mixing. The passive form 'mingled with' is common for describing combined elements.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar. 'Mingle' is perhaps slightly more common in British English for formal social event descriptions (e.g., 'a drinks and mingling reception').
Connotations
In both varieties, it can carry a slightly formal or deliberate connotation for social mixing ('networking'). No significant difference in connotation.
Frequency
Comparatively frequent in both. No major divergence.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] mingles[Subject] mingles with [Object][Subject] is mingled with [Object]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “mingle with the crowd”
- “a mingling of the senses (synesthesia)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to networking at conferences or events. 'Employees are encouraged to mingle with clients during the cocktail hour.'
Academic
Used to describe the intermingling of cultures, ideas, or genetic traits. 'The study examines the mingling of tribal populations in the region.'
Everyday
Primarily social. 'Go and mingle instead of standing in the corner!' Can also describe smells or sounds. 'The smell of coffee mingled with fresh bread.'
Technical
Rare. Could be used in chemistry or physics for gentle mixing of fluids or gases without full integration.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Guests are invited to mingle over canapés before the lecture.
- In London, scents from diverse cuisines mingle in the air.
American English
- Please feel free to mingle after the presentation.
- Feelings of excitement and nervousness mingled within her.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard; 'minglingly' is extremely rare and non-idiomatic)
American English
- (Not standard; no adverb form in common use)
adjective
British English
- (Not standard; 'mingling' is the participle adjective) The mingling crowds created a lively atmosphere.
American English
- (Not standard; 'mingling' is the participle adjective) He observed the mingling guests from the balcony.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The children mingled on the playground.
- Oil and water do not mingle.
- At the wedding, people from both families mingled happily.
- The sound of laughter mingled with music.
- Delegates had ample opportunity to mingle and exchange ideas during the coffee breaks.
- Her personal and professional lives became dangerously mingled.
- The novel explores the mingled destinies of two families across generations.
- One could detect a mingling of scepticism and cautious optimism in his tone.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SINGLE person at a party who decides to MINGLE and become part of the mix. 'Single' wants to 'Mingle'.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL INTERACTION IS MIXING OF SUBSTANCES / IDEAS/EMOTIONS ARE FLUIDS THAT MIX.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation with 'смешиваться' for social contexts; it sounds overly physical. Use 'общаться', 'знакомиться'. For mixing substances, 'смешиваться' is correct.
- Do not use 'перемешивать' (to stir) as it implies a more forceful, deliberate action.
Common Mistakes
- Using it transitively without 'with' (Incorrect: 'He mingled the crowd.' Correct: 'He mingled with the crowd.').
- Overusing in casual 'hanging out' contexts where 'chat' or 'socialize' is more natural.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'mingle' used CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while most common for people socializing, it can be used for things that mix without losing their identity, like sounds, smells, feelings, or cultures.
'Mingle' often implies a lighter, more informal, or non-uniform combining where elements remain somewhat distinct. 'Mix' is more general and can imply a more thorough, integrated combination.
It's grammatically possible but often considered redundant, as 'mingle' already implies 'together'. It's a common collocation but 'mingle' alone is usually sufficient.
It is neutral. It can be used in formal contexts (e.g., 'a mingling reception') but is also perfectly natural in everyday speech about parties.
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