combine
- 01 B1 Intermediate
v.to put two or more things together to make one single thing.
v.to unite or merge two or more distinct elements into a single entity or substance.
Simple“You need to combine the flour and sugar before adding the eggs.”
In context“The new software aims to combine several disparate databases into a single, streamlined interface for the end user.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to have two different features or qualities at the same time.
v.to possess or exhibit two or more different attributes or functions simultaneously.
Simple“The new hotel manages to combine luxury with a very friendly atmosphere.”
In context“Her latest novel successfully combines elements of historical fiction with a fast-paced contemporary thriller.”
Synonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a large machine used on farms to cut and clean grain.
n.shortened form of 'combine harvester'; a complex machine that harvests, threshes, and cleans grain crops.
Simple“The farmer spent all day driving the combine across the wheat field.”
In context“Modern combines are equipped with GPS technology to map crop yields with incredible precision during the harvest season.”
Synonyms - 04 C1 Advanced
n.a group of people or companies that work together for a business purpose.
n.an association of individuals or corporations formed to pursue a common commercial or political interest.
Simple“Several small tech firms formed a combine to bid for the government contract.”
In context“The industrial combine exerted significant influence over national trade policy throughout the early twentieth century.”
- 05 C1 Advanced
n.an event where athletes perform tests so professional teams can see their skills.
n.a multi-day showcase where athletes perform physical and mental tests in front of professional scouts.
Simple“The young quarterback performed well at the scouting combine last week.”
In context“His impressive vertical leap at the national combine significantly boosted his draft stock among professional scouts.”
Usage combine approach · combine element · combine method
PIE word *dwóh₁ From Middle English combynyn, from Middle French combiner, from Late Latin combīnāre (“unite, yoke together”), from Latin con- (“together”) + bīnī (“two by two”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.