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Combination Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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combination

[หŒkษ’mbษชหˆneษชสƒษ™n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

mathematics

The act of putting things together, or the result of things being put together.

Synonyms

blend, mixture, union.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
combination

Use this word when referring to the act of merging two or more things to form a single entity.

  • The combination of these two ingredients creates a delicious sauce.
  • Her skill set is a perfect combination of technical and creative abilities.
mixture

This word is appropriate when talking about a physical combination of different substances that remain distinct.

  • The cake batter is a mixture of flour, sugar, and eggs.
  • The air is a mixture of different gases.
blend

This term is often used when mixing elements smoothly so that they are indistinguishable from one another.

  • The artist used a subtle blend of colors to create an amazing painting.
  • The wine is a blend of several grape varieties.
union

This word is often used in formal or abstract contexts to refer to the joining of separate entities into a single group or whole.

  • The union of the two companies led to a stronger market presence.
  • Their marriage symbolizes the union of two families.

Examples of usage

  • Finding all possible combinations of a set of numbers.
  • The combination of red, blue, and yellow creates the color white.
Context #2 | Noun

lock

A sequence of numbers or symbols that is used to open a lock or access a secure area.

Synonyms

code, key, password.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
combination

Can be used similarly to the first entry, typically in contexts involving putting multiple elements together.

  • Her outfit was a stylish combination of patterns and colors.
  • Using a combination of herbs, he created a unique flavor.
code

Refers to a systematic set of symbols or instructions, often used in computing or for sending secret messages.

  • He wrote a complex code to solve the problem.
  • The spy sent a message in code.
password

A secret word or phrase that must be used to gain admission to a place or device, especially in digital contexts like online accounts.

  • Remember to change your password regularly to keep your account secure.
  • He couldn't log in because he forgot his password.
key

Typically refers to a physical object used to lock or unlock something. Also can be used metaphorically to signify something crucial or essential.

  • I lost the key to my house.
  • Understanding this concept is the key to solving the problem.

Examples of usage

  • She entered the correct combination and the safe opened.
  • The combination to the vault is known only to a few individuals.
Context #3 | Noun

fashion

A coordinated outfit or ensemble.

Synonyms

attire, ensemble, outfit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
combination

Used when referring to the joining or mixture of different elements to form a whole, usually not specifically about clothing.

  • The combination of green and blue paint created a beautiful shade
  • The recipe is a combination of various spices
outfit

Used to describe a set of clothes worn together, usually for a specific occasion or purpose. It's a common term in daily life and fashion.

  • She picked a casual outfit for the day at the park
  • His outfit for the party was very trendy and stylish
ensemble

Describes a group of items viewed as a whole, often related to clothing or music groups. In fashion, it refers to a complete outfit with a harmonious combination of pieces.

  • She wore a stunning ensemble to the gala
  • The ensemble of musicians performed beautifully
attire

Used to describe clothing, especially formal or distinctive clothing suitable for a particular occasion.

  • Guests were required to wear formal attire to the wedding
  • His professional attire impressed the interview panel

Examples of usage

  • She wore a stunning combination of a dress and heels.
  • The combination of accessories completed her look.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Mathematics

  • In math, a combination is a way to select items from a larger group without caring about the order.
  • The formula for combinations is often expressed as 'n choose k', crucial in statistics and probability.
  • A common example is creating different burgers by combining various ingredients without worrying about the order of toppings.

Science

  • In chemistry, a combination reaction occurs when two or more substances combine to form a new compound.
  • This can create everything from simple molecules to complex materials, illustrating the transformative power of combinations.
  • Understanding combinations helps in studying a range of reactions and the creation of new substances in laboratories.

Culture

  • In cooking, a delicious dish often results from combining various ingredients, each adding its unique flavor.
  • Fashion styles frequently rely on combinations of colors and patterns to create unique outfits.
  • Music genres blend influences from different traditions, creating captivating combinations that resonate across cultures.

Literature

  • In storytelling, the combination of different character arcs can lead to unexpected plots and resolutions.
  • Authors often use combinations of narrative styles, such as mixing poetry and prose, to enhance their storytelling.
  • Theme combinations, like love and tragedy, create emotional depth that engages readers.

Origin of 'combination'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'combinatio', which means 'joining together'.
  • It first appeared in English in the 15th century, reflecting the blend of different elements.
  • Its roots can be traced back to 'com-' meaning 'together' and 'binare' meaning 'to unite'.

The word 'combination' originated from the Latin word 'combinare', which means 'to unite'. It has been used in various fields such as mathematics, lock mechanisms, and fashion to denote the merging or joining of different elements to create a new entity or result.

See also: combinable, combine, combined, combining, recombination.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,289, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.