combination
- 01 B1 Intermediate
two or more things joined or mixed together to create something new.
the result of combining two or more distinct elements into a single entity or mixture.
Simple“The chef created a delicious combination of sweet and spicy flavours.”
In context“The success of the project was due to a unique combination of technical expertise and creative vision within the leadership team.”
Antonyms - 02 B1 Intermediate
the secret series of numbers or letters used to open a lock.
a specific sequence of characters or numbers required to operate a combination lock.
Simple“I can never remember the combination to my gym locker.”
In context“The safe requires a six-digit combination that is changed every month to ensure maximum security for the documents inside.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
a group of items chosen from a larger set where the order does not matter.
a selection of members from a total population where the order of selection is not a distinguishing factor.
Simple“In this card game, the order of the cards in your hand is a combination.”
In context“The students were asked to calculate the number of possible combinations when choosing three representatives from a class of thirty.”
UsageOften contrasted with 'permutation', where the order of items does matter.
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
a series of quick moves or hits performed one after another.
a rapid succession of coordinated strikes or tactical moves in sports such as boxing or chess.
Simple“The boxer won the match after landing a powerful three-punch combination.”
In context“The grandmaster executed a brilliant combination that forced his opponent to sacrifice a queen to avoid immediate checkmate.”
- 05 C1 Advanced
a group of people or companies working together for a specific goal.
an association or alliance of individuals or entities formed for a common purpose.
Simple“The two companies formed a powerful combination in the tech industry.”
In context“The political combination of several smaller parties proved strong enough to challenge the ruling government during the autumn elections.”
Usage combination of technical · complex combination · linear combination
“All over social media, women are claiming that a simple hack has helped enormously: a combination of two over-the-counter medications, both antihistamines – typically, the name brands Pepcid AC and Allegra.”
“The big appeal is the combination of price and attacking potential.”
PIE word *dwóh₁ From Middle English combinacioun, combynacyoun, from Old French combination, from Late Latin combīnātiō. Morphologically combine + -ation.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.