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REFERENCE

combination

n.
US //ˌkɑmbəˈneɪʃən// UK //kˌɒmbɪnˈeɪʃən// com·bi·na·tion
  1. 1 a mixture or blend (n.)
    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.

    Example

    The chef created a delicious combination of sweet and spicy flavours.

    Example

    The success of the project was due to a unique combination of technical expertise and creative vision within the leadership team.
  2. 2 a lock code (n.)
    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.

    Example

    I can never remember the combination to my gym locker.

    Example

    The safe requires a six-digit combination that is changed every month to ensure maximum security for the documents inside.
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  1. 3 mathematical selection (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Math

    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.

    Example

    In this card game, the order of the cards in your hand is a combination.

    Example

    The students were asked to calculate the number of possible combinations when choosing three representatives from a class of thirty.

    Usage

    Often contrasted with 'permutation', where the order of items does matter.
    • permutation
  2. 4 sports sequence (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

    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.

    Example

    The boxer won the match after landing a powerful three-punch combination.

    Example

    The grandmaster executed a brilliant combination that forced his opponent to sacrifice a queen to avoid immediate checkmate.
  3. 5 an alliance (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    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.

    Example

    The two companies formed a powerful combination in the tech industry.

    Example

    The political combination of several smaller parties proved strong enough to challenge the ruling government during the autumn elections.
Origin

PIE word *dwóh₁ From Middle English combinacioun, combynacyoun, from Old French combination, from Late Latin combīnātiō. Morphologically combine + -ation.

Word family

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