connect
gb/kənˈɛkt/ us/kənˈɛkt/
A2
English
~ 2100
Senses
0 senses
Verb
A2
action
1
Join or link things
To join two or more things together so they touch or work as one.
Usage pattern:
to connect [something] to [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'connect' with 'contact', especially in digital contexts (e.g., 'I will connect you tomorrow' instead of 'I will contact you tomorrow').
Synonyms
link (Often used for both physical and abstract connections; slightly broader.)
|
attach (Emphasizes fastening physically, less about systems or networks.)
Antonyms
disconnect (Means to separate items that were joined or linked.)
Collocations
connect cables
|connect devices
|connect wires
|connect directly
Themes
technology
|daily life
|construction
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Please connect the printer to your computer before installing the software.
- The electrician connected the wires to the main power supply.
- These two rooms are connected by a small hallway.
- You need to connect the hose to the faucet before turning on the water.
Learner examples
- Connect the phone to the charger.
- I connected my laptop to the Wi-Fi.
- We connected the two tables together.
- Connect the red wire to the red socket.
Verb
B1
action
2
Establish communication
To make it possible for people or systems to talk or share information.
Usage pattern:
to connect [someone] with [someone/something]
Common mistake:
Learners may use 'connect' without specifying who is being connected to whom, making sentences unclear.
Synonyms
link up (Informal; often used for arranging a meeting or call.)
|
put through (Telephone-specific term for connecting a call.)
Antonyms
isolate (To keep someone or something apart from others, preventing communication.)
Collocations
connect callers
|connect users
|connect customers
Themes
communication
|business
|technology
Examples
- The operator connected me with the manager.
- Social media connects millions of people worldwide.
- The app connects drivers with passengers quickly.
Learner examples
- The teacher connected me with a study group.
- This website connects students and teachers.
- Can you connect me to the sales department?
Verb
B2
action
3
Relate ideas or concepts
To understand that two ideas, events, or facts are related.
Usage pattern:
to connect [idea/fact] with [idea/fact]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'connect' with 'compare', but 'connect' is about linking, not judging similarities or differences.
Synonyms
associate (Focuses on linking in the mind; can be looser than 'connect'.)
|
relate (Often used for explaining relationships between ideas.)
Antonyms
separate (To treat ideas as unrelated.)
Collocations
connect dots
|connect ideas
|connect concepts
Themes
education
|thinking
|communication
Examples
- It's hard to connect these events without more information.
- She connected his absence with the missed deadline.
- The teacher helped students connect the theory with real-world examples.
Learner examples
- I can connect this story to my own life.
- The police connected the clues to find the thief.
- He connected her smile with good news.
Verb
B1
state
4
Feel understanding or empathy
To feel that you understand and share feelings with someone.
Usage pattern:
to connect with [someone]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'connect' in this sense with physical joining; context clarifies meaning.
Synonyms
relate to (Common in casual speech for identifying with someone’s experience.)
|
bond with (Implies forming a close relationship over time.)
Antonyms
alienate (To make someone feel isolated or disconnected emotionally.)
Collocations
connect deeply
|connect emotionally
Themes
emotions
|relationships
Examples
- I really connected with her during our conversation.
- The book helped me connect with people from different cultures.
- They connected instantly over their shared love of music.
Learner examples
- I connect with my best friend easily.
- We connect because we like the same games.
- He connected with his new classmates quickly.
Verb
B1
action
5
Join transport routes/trips
To go from one bus, train, etc., to another so your trip continues.
Synonyms
transfer (Specifically means changing vehicles during travel.)
Collocations
connect flights
|connect trains
Themes
travel
|transportation
Examples
- We connected flights in Paris on our way to Rome.
- This train connects with the express service to London.
- The ferry connects the island with the mainland.
Learner examples
- I connect trains in the city center.
- We connected flights at the airport.
- The bus connects to the subway line.
Grammar
Dictionary form
connect
IPA
GB/kənˈɛkt/
US/kənˈɛkt/
Syllables & stress
con - nect (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (nect)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: connect
- 3rd Person Singular: connects
- Present Participle: connecting
- Past: connected
Word family
Forms
connects
verb
connecting
verb
connected
verb
Core family
connection
noun B1
Related words
reconnect
verb
connector
noun B2
Negative and opposite forms
Advanced or less common
connectivity
noun
connective
adjective
Expressions
get connected
1/ɡˈɛt kənˈɛktɪd/
fixed phrase
Establish a link or access
To start using a network, service, or group by joining it.
Examples
- You need to get connected before you can download updates.
- The event helps local businesses get connected with each other.
stay connected
1/stˈeɪ kənˈɛktɪd/
fixed phrase
Maintain link/relationship over time
To keep in touch with someone or keep using a service so you remain linked.
Examples
- Even after graduation, we stayed connected through social media.
- Stay connected for updates on our latest products.
connect the dots
1/kənˈɛkt ðə dˈɑts/
idiom
Link facts to understand something
To understand something by thinking about how different facts or ideas fit together.
Examples
- Investigators are trying to connect the dots between the suspect’s actions and the crime scene.
- Once you connect the dots, the problem becomes clear.
connect the dots
2/kənˈɛkt ðə dˈɑts/
idiom
Link ideas to understand something
To understand something by finding how facts or ideas are related.
Examples
- Detectives connected the dots and solved the case.
- It's easy to connect the dots once you have all the information.