Combination: meaning, definitions and examples

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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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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'.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "combination" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น combinaรงรฃo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเค‚เคฏเฅ‹เค—

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Kombination

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ kombinasi

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบะพะผะฑั–ะฝะฐั†ั–ั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ kombinacja

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็ต„ใฟๅˆใ‚ใ›

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท combinaison

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ combinaciรณn

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท kombinasyon

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์กฐํ•ฉ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุชุฑูƒูŠุจุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kombinace

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ kombinรกcia

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็ป„ๅˆ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ kombinacija

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ samsรถfn

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะบะพะผะฑะธะฝะฐั†ะธั

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ™แƒแƒ›แƒ‘แƒ˜แƒœแƒแƒชแƒ˜แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kombinasiya

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ combinaciรณn

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.