combination
gb/kˌɑmbənˈeɪʃən/ us/kˌɑmbənˈeɪʃən/
A2
English
~ 1800
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
action
1
act or result of joining
When two or more things are put together to make one thing.
Usage pattern:
a combination of [things]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'combination' with 'company' due to similar sound, but 'combination' means joining things, not a business organization.
Synonyms
mixture (Implies a blend of elements, often physical substances.)
|
blend (Suggests a smooth merging of different elements.)
Antonyms
separation (The act of keeping things apart rather than joining them.)
Collocations
winning combination
|unique combination
|perfect combination
|color combination
|flavor combination
Themes
daily life
|business
|science
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The recipe is a combination of sweet and spicy flavors.
- Her outfit is a bold combination of red and gold.
- This job requires a combination of technical skills and creativity.
- A winning combination of players led the team to victory.
Learner examples
- Pizza is a combination of bread, cheese, and tomato sauce.
- Her bag is a combination of blue and white.
- My desk has a combination of books and papers.
- This drink is a combination of milk and fruit.
Noun
A2
entity
2
code for opening a lock
Numbers or letters you enter to open a lock.
Usage pattern:
the combination to [lock/safe]
Common mistake:
Some learners confuse 'combination' with 'password'; passwords can contain words, but combinations are usually numbers or letters for locks.
Synonyms
code (General term for numbers or letters used for access.)
Antonyms
key (A physical object used to open a lock instead of numbers or letters.)
Collocations
lock combination
|safe combination
|remember the combination
Themes
security
|daily life
|daily_life
|technology
Examples
- I forgot the combination to my locker.
- The safe will only open with the correct combination.
- She quickly entered the combination and opened the door.
Learner examples
- I know the combination for my bike lock.
- He told me the combination for the safe.
- Please write down the locker combination for me.
Noun
B1
entity
3
set of clothes worn together
Clothes that are made to be worn together for one purpose.
Synonyms
outfit (General term for clothes worn together; not necessarily specialized.)
Collocations
ski combination
|diving combination
Themes
fashion
|sports
|clothing
|daily_life
Examples
- He bought a new skiing combination before the trip.
- The diving combination kept her warm underwater.
Learner examples
- I have a swimming combination for summer.
- She wears her running combination every morning.
- He bought a new ski combination.
Grammar
Dictionary form
combination
IPA
GB/kˌɑmbənˈeɪʃən/
US/kˌɑmbənˈeɪʃən/
Syllables & stress
com - bin - a - tion (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (a)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: combination
- Plural: combination, combinations
Word family
Expressions
a winning combination
1/ə wˈɪnɪŋ kˌɑmbənˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
successful mix producing results
A mix of things that works very well and leads to success.
Examples
- Good teamwork and strong leadership are a winning combination.
- Chocolate and peanut butter make a winning combination.
in combination with
1/ˈɪn kˌɑmbənˈeɪʃən wˈɪθ/
fixed phrase
together with something else
Used to say that two or more things are used or happen together.
Examples
- This drug should be taken in combination with a healthy diet.
- The new engine works best in combination with improved fuel technology.
lock combination
1/lˈɑk kˌɑmbənˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
code for opening lock
Numbers or letters you need to open a lock.
Examples
- I can’t remember my lock combination.
- Write down your lock combination somewhere safe.