Word
concoction
Phoneticscon·coc·tion, stress on the second syllable
US/kənˈkɑkʃən/
UK/kənkˈɒkʃən/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a mixture of different things, especially one that is strange or unusual. You often use this word for drinks or medicines that people make by mixing several ingredients.
n. a mixture of various ingredients, typically one that is strange, unusual, or unorthodox. Often carries a slightly negative or humorous connotation regarding the quality or purpose of the mixture.
Examples
“He served a strange green concoction that he called a smoothie.”
“The old man claimed his latest concoction could cure any cold, though it smelled like old socks and vinegar.”
“While the chef's latest culinary concoction was technically edible, the combination of fermented cabbage and raw garlic proved too much for the more delicate palates at the dinner party.”
Examples
simple
“He served a strange green concoction that he called a smoothie.”
contextual
“The old man claimed his latest concoction could cure any cold, though it smelled like old socks and vinegar.”
complex
“While the chef's latest culinary concoction was technically edible, the combination of fermented cabbage and raw garlic proved too much for the more delicate palates at the dinner party.”
Real-World Examples
“Think iced fruity drinks, protein shakes and so-called dirty sodas - a concoction of foam, syrups and juices.” “All Rights Reserved/PA Directed by Swift herself, the video for Opalite is a bizarrely goofy concoction with an equally bizarre origin story.” Etymology
From Latin concoctiō.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/concoction