connection
gb/kənˈɛkʃən/ us/kənˈɛkʃən/
A2
English
~ 1400
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
relation
1
Relationship or link between things
A way in which two or more people, things, or ideas are related.
Usage pattern:
a connection between [something] and [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'connection' with 'contact' when referring to people they know; 'contact' usually means someone you can reach, while 'connection' refers to the relationship or link itself.
Synonyms
relationship (Often broader and more emotional; not always implying a physical or logical link.)
|
link (More technical or structural, especially for physical or digital contexts.)
Antonyms
separation (Refers to the state of being apart or disconnected.)
Collocations
close connection
|strong connection
|direct connection
|emotional connection
|connection between
|connection with
Themes
relationships
|communication
|society
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- There is a strong connection between diet and health.
- She felt an instant connection with her new colleagues.
- The police found a connection between the suspect and the crime.
- This research explores the connection between climate change and migration.
- Their friendship is built on a deep emotional connection.
Learner examples
- There is a connection between smoking and cancer.
- I have a good connection with my teacher.
- He sees a connection between the two ideas.
- We have a close connection with our neighbors.
Noun
A2
entity
2
Link for communication or transport
A way to communicate or travel from one place to another.
Usage pattern:
a connection to [a place/system]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'connection' with 'signal'; 'signal' refers to the strength of transmission, while 'connection' refers to the existence of a link.
Synonyms
link (Can refer to a physical, electronic, or abstract tie enabling communication or travel.)
|
access (Focuses on the ability to reach or use something rather than the link itself.)
Antonyms
disconnection (Refers to the loss of a link for communication or travel.)
Collocations
internet connection
|flight connection
|train connection
|phone connection
Themes
technology
|travel
|communication
|transportation
Examples
- The internet connection is very slow today.
- We missed our connection in Paris and had to wait for the next flight.
- The phone connection was poor during the storm.
- There is no direct train connection between these cities.
Learner examples
- My internet connection is bad.
- We have a good phone connection now.
- I missed my flight connection.
- This city has a train connection to the capital.
Noun
B2
entity
3
Helpful contact person
Someone you know who can help you get information, jobs, or other benefits.
Usage pattern:
a connection in [an organization/industry/place]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'connection' with 'relationship'; here it specifically means someone who can provide help or advantage.
Synonyms
contact (More general; not necessarily someone influential.)
|
ally (Suggests active support rather than just acquaintance.)
Antonyms
stranger (A person you do not know and have no relationship with.)
Collocations
business connections
|political connections
|use connections
Themes
business
|networking
|work
|relationships
Examples
- She used her political connections to get the job.
- I have a few connections in the music industry.
- Connections can be important when starting a business.
Learner examples
- He has good connections in the city government.
- I have a connection who can help you find work.
- She used her connections to get tickets.
Noun
technical
B1
entity
4
Point where parts are joined
The place where two things join together, like wires or pipes.
Synonyms
joint (Often refers to mechanical parts rather than electronic ones.)
|
junction (More formal or technical; often used in engineering contexts.)
Antonyms
break (The point where something is no longer joined.)
Collocations
electrical connection
|pipe connection
Themes
technology
|engineering
|science
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Check all the electrical connections before turning on the power.
- The plumber fixed the leaking pipe connection.
- Loose connections can cause the machine to stop working.
Learner examples
- The wire has a bad connection.
- The pipe connection is broken.
- Check the cable connections before use.
Grammar
Dictionary form
connection
IPA
GB/kənˈɛkʃən/
US/kənˈɛkʃən/
Syllables & stress
con - nec - tion (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (nec)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: connection
- Plural: connection, connections
Word family
Expressions
establish a connection
1/ɪstˈæblɪʃ ə kənˈɛkʃən/
fixed phrase
Create link or relationship
To start a link or relationship between people, things, or systems.
Examples
- The project aims to establish a connection between schools and local businesses.
- We established a secure connection to the server.
in connection with
1/ˈɪn kənˈɛkʃən wˈɪθ/
fixed phrase
Relating to something mentioned
About something; related to something else mentioned.
Examples
- He was arrested in connection with the robbery.
- They are studying problems in connection with urban growth.
lose connection
1/lˈuz kənˈɛkʃən/
fixed phrase
Interrupt communication link or relationship
To have communication stop suddenly, or for a relationship to weaken.
Examples
- We lost connection during the video call.
- Over time, I lost connection with my old friends.
make a connection
1/mˈeɪk ə kənˈɛkʃən/
fixed phrase
Realize relationship between things
To understand that two things are related.
Examples
- I finally made the connection between his absence and the missing files.
- She made a connection between her diet and her health issues.