s-r connection
B1Neutral (used across formal, informal, spoken, and written contexts)
Definition
Meaning
A link or relationship between two or more people, things, facts, or ideas.
The act of connecting or the state of being connected; a point where two things are joined; a social or professional contact; a train, bus, or aircraft timed to leave shortly after the arrival of another for continuing a journey.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a relationship that enables communication, operation, or understanding. Can refer to physical, logical, causal, social, or transport links. The countable form is predominant.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily a spelling variant: 'connection' (US) vs 'connexion' (UK). However, 'connexion' is now archaic in UK English, with 'connection' being the standard modern form in both dialects.
Connotations
Identical in modern usage.
Frequency
The word 'connexion' is rarely seen in contemporary UK English outside of historical or legal contexts. 'Connection' is universal.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
connection between A and Bconnection to/with something/someoneconnection for somethingin connection with somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “miss the connection”
- “make the connection”
- “in this/that connection”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Referring to professional networks, client relationships, or logistical links.
Academic
Describing causal links, theoretical relationships, or historical ties.
Everyday
Talking about internet/wifi, transport links, or social contacts.
Technical
Pertaining to electrical circuits, data transfer points, or mechanical joints.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The two events are connected in a surprising way.
- Please ensure the printer is connected to the mains.
American English
- The cases don't seem to connect.
- My phone automatically connects to the home Wi-Fi.
adverb
British English
- The two issues are closely connected.
- Thematically, the novels are loosely connected.
American English
- The wires were securely connected.
- Politically, the groups are directly connected.
adjective
British English
- The connected rooms were perfect for the family.
- She is well-connected in media circles.
American English
- All connected devices must be secure.
- A connected series of ideas.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Is there a good train connection to the airport?
- I lost my internet connection.
- Scientists found a clear connection between diet and health.
- Do you have any connections in the publishing industry?
- Her resignation came in connection with the ongoing investigation.
- The lecture drew subtle connections between 19th-century art and modern politics.
- The prosecution failed to establish a causal connection between the defendant's actions and the resulting harm.
- His work explores the tenuous connections between memory, identity, and place.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a NET connecting two points. CON-NECT-ion. The 'nect' is like 'connect'.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONNECTIONS ARE PATHS/BRIDGES (e.g., 'bridge the gap', 'a direct line'), CONNECTIONS ARE BONDS/TIES (e.g., 'strong ties', 'unbreakable bond').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid directly translating the Russian construction 'cвязь с кем-чем' as 'connection with' when a simpler preposition like 'to' or 'between' is more idiomatic (e.g., 'his connection to the company', not 'connection with the company').
- Do not use 'connection' for a romantic relationship in the same way as 'отношения' (use 'relationship').
Common Mistakes
- Using 'connection' as an uncountable noun when it should be countable (e.g., 'We have a good connection', not 'We have good connection').
- Confusing 'in connection with' (regarding) with 'connected to' (linked to).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely meaning of 'connection'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is now considered archaic. The standard modern spelling in both British and American English is 'connection'.
'Connection to' often implies a physical or direct link (a connection to the server). 'Connection with' can imply a more abstract or relational link (a connection with the past). However, they are frequently interchangeable.
Rarely. It is almost always countable when referring to a specific link or relationship ('a connection', 'several connections'). The uncountable form refers to the general action or state of connecting ('The connection of the pipes took hours').
Yes, it's a very common and correct collocation. You can also say 'internet connection' or 'network connection'.