Conjugation: meaning, definitions and examples
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conjugation
[ˌkɒndʒʊˈɡeɪʃən ]
Definitions
grammar
The variation of the form of a verb in an inflected language according to voice, mood, tense, number, person, and gender.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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conjugation |
Used when discussing the modification of verbs to express different tenses, moods, voices, aspects, numbers, and persons in a particular language.
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inflection |
A general term used for the modification of words to express different grammatical categories including tense, mood, voice (verbs), case, number, gender (nouns), etc. Often used in a broader sense to cover both conjugation and declension.
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declension |
Used when discussing the modification of nouns, pronouns, and adjectives to express different grammatical cases, numbers, and genders in a particular language.
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Examples of usage
- The conjugation of the verb "to be" in English includes forms like "am", "are", and "is".
- In Spanish, the conjugation of regular verbs follows specific patterns based on the ending of the infinitive form.
mathematics
A group of elements related by a particular transformation.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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conjugation |
Commonly used in grammar and biology. In grammar, it refers to changing a verb form to show tense, mood, number, etc. In biology, it refers to a method of sexual reproduction in bacteria.
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transformation |
Used when talking about a significant change in form, appearance, or character. Applied in contexts like biology, mathematics, personal growth, and technology.
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grouping |
Refers to the act of placing items or people into groups based on common characteristics. Used in various settings like education, work, or data analysis.
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Examples of usage
- In geometry, a group of symmetries of a geometric figure can be described as a conjugation.
biology
The temporary union of two bacteria or unicellular organisms for the exchange of genetic material.
Synonyms
gene transfer, genetic exchange.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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conjugation |
This term is often used in both grammar and biology. In grammar, it refers to the variation of the form of a verb according to its subject, tense, mood, etc. In biology, it describes a process where two unicellular organisms join together to exchange genetic material.
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gene transfer |
Used mainly in a biological context, this term describes the movement of genetic material between organisms other than by inherent reproduction. It emphasizes the technical process through which genes are moved from one organism to another.
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genetic exchange |
This phrase is often used to broadly refer to the transfer of genetic material between organisms. It can be applied to natural processes like recombination or artificial processes like genetic engineering. It does not specify the method of transfer, making it a more generalized term compared to 'gene transfer'.
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Examples of usage
- Bacterial conjugation is a process of horizontal gene transfer.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term comes from the Latin word 'conjugatio', meaning 'joining together', highlighting how words are connected.
- Historically, conjugation involved specific rules in languages, which varied greatly between cultures.
- Different languages use unique systems for conjugating verbs, showcasing their diverse structures.
Language Learning
- Understanding conjugation is crucial for mastering a new language because it helps build sentences correctly.
- Many language educators emphasize conjugation to provide students with the tools they need for effective communication.
- Learning conjugation can enhance listening and speaking skills, allowing for more natural conversations.
Linguistics
- Conjugation varies depending on grammatical features like tense, aspect, mood, and person.
- Some languages, like Spanish and French, have extensive conjugation systems with different endings for each subject.
- In contrast, languages such as Mandarin use context rather than conjugation to convey time and action.
Pop Culture
- Media and entertainment often showcase characters struggling with grammar, highlight the significance of conjugation in storytelling.
- Certain songs in popular music play with verb forms and tenses, demonstrating informal uses of conjugation.
- Interactive language apps and games have made learning conjugation fun and engaging for many.
Translations
Translations of the word "conjugation" in other languages:
🇵🇹 conjugação
🇮🇳 संयुग्मन (Sanyugman)
🇩🇪 Konjugation
🇮🇩 konjugasi
🇺🇦 відмінювання
🇵🇱 koniugacja
🇯🇵 活用 (katsuyou)
🇫🇷 conjugaison
🇪🇸 conjugación
🇹🇷 çekim
🇰🇷 활용 (hwaryong)
🇸🇦 تصريف (tasreef)
🇨🇿 časování
🇸🇰 časovanie
🇨🇳 变位 (biànwèi)
🇸🇮 spreganje
🇮🇸 beyging
🇰🇿 жіктелу
🇬🇪 კონიუგაცია (konjugatsia)
🇦🇿 felin təsrifi
🇲🇽 conjugación