Bonding: meaning, definitions and examples

Bonding is used to describe the process of forming a close relationship or emotional connection, often between family members, friends, or even teams. It implies building a strong, personal connection.

• The weekend retreat was great for team bonding.
• Mother-child bonding is crucial in the early stages of development.

Connection is a broad term that refers to the link or relationship between people, places, ideas, or objects. It can be used in both personal and professional contexts.

• There was an immediate connection between the two new colleagues.
• She felt a deep connection to the city's vibrant culture.

Attachment refers to an emotional bond or a sense of connection often developed early in life, particularly between children and their caregivers. It can also describe a strong emotional connection to objects or people.

• Her attachment to her childhood home was very strong.
• Secure attachment in infancy leads to healthier relationships later in life.

Rapport is used to describe a good understanding and a harmonious relationship, often between colleagues, friends, or people who meet for the first time. It implies mutual trust and respect.

• The counselor established a quick rapport with the new patient.
• Good teachers build rapport with their students.

This word is often used to describe the process of forming close emotional relationships, especially between family members or close friends.

• The family spent the weekend camping, which was great for bonding
• The mother and baby developed a strong bonding during the first few months

This word is used to refer to a relationship or link between people, things, or ideas, and can be both physical or emotional.

• She felt a deep connection with her best friend
• The internet connection was unstable during the storm

This word is more technical and often used in scientific, mechanical, or organizational contexts to describe the connection between components or parts.

• The linkage between the two gears was broken
• There is a strong linkage between smoking and lung cancer

This word is often used to refer to the act of joining together or the condition of being united, especially in organizational or official contexts.

• The marriage ceremony celebrated the union of the couple
• The two companies announced their union after months of negotiations

Ideal for describing the process of forming close relationships or emotional connections, can also be used in technical contexts involving materials.

• The team spent a weekend in the mountains for some team bonding activities.
• The bonding between the glue and the wood is very strong.

Implies the act of coming together or putting things together, common in contexts referring to groups, clubs, or physical assembly.

• She is joining a new yoga class next week.
• The carpenter is skilled at joining different pieces of wood.

Used mainly in scientific or technical contexts to describe the action or process of sticking to a surface or object.

• The adhesion of the paint to the wall was surprisingly strong.
• Good adhesion of the tape ensures the package won’t open during transit.

Describes emotional connections or refers to something physically connected or fastened to another object, often used in context of emails to refer to files.

• He felt a strong attachment to his childhood home.
• Please find the document attached in the email attachment.