English Reference
noun

connection

n.
US /kəˈnɛkʃən/ UK /kənˈɛkʃən/ con·nec·tion UK spelling connection's, connection's

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    a point where two or more things join together.

    the state of being physically or logically joined; the point at which two or more things are attached.

    Simple

    Check the cable connection at the back of the computer if the screen is dark.

    In context

    The engineer identified a loose connection in the primary circuit board, which had been causing intermittent power failures throughout the facility.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    a feeling of understanding and liking someone.

    a psychological or emotional state of mutual understanding and rapport between individuals.

    Simple

    I felt a real connection with her the first time we talked about music.

    In context

    Despite their different backgrounds, the two researchers discovered a profound intellectual connection that led to a decade of successful collaboration.

    estrangement
  3. 03 B1 Intermediate Computing

    a way to communicate using a computer or phone.

    an established communications link, especially for data or telephonic transmission.

    Simple

    The internet connection is very slow in this part of the building.

    In context

    The remote team struggled to maintain a stable connection during the video conference due to the local infrastructure's limited bandwidth.

    disconnection
  4. 04 B1 Intermediate

    a train, bus, or plane that you catch after getting off another one.

    a scheduled transfer between vehicles in a transportation network.

    Simple

    Our flight was delayed, so we missed our connection in Frankfurt.

    In context

    The travel agent ensured there was a two-hour window for the connection in Paris to account for potential delays at customs.

  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate

    a person you know who can help you, especially in business.

    a person or organisation with whom one is associated, typically providing access to influence or information.

    Simple

    He used his family connections to get an internship at the law firm.

    In context

    Through her professional connections in the publishing industry, she managed to secure an early review of the manuscript.

  6. 06 C1 Advanced SlangInformal

    a person who sells illegal drugs.

    a supplier of illegal drugs. Primarily used in informal or criminal contexts.

    Simple

    He was arrested while waiting to meet his connection in the park.

    In context

    The undercover operation focused on identifying the primary connection responsible for distributing narcotics across the city's northern districts.


From Middle English conneccioun, connexioun, conneccyon, conneccion, from Latin connexionem (nominative connexio (“a conclusion, binding together”)), from connectō, an alternative spelling of cōnectō (“to bind together”), from compound of co- (“together”) and nectō (“to bind”). In American English mid-18c., spelling shifted from connexion to connection (equivalent to connect + -ion), thus making connexion British dated and connection in international use.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin connexionem
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated