What is combine? Pronunciation and usage in English

combine means . Learn how to pronounce and use combine through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of combine

combineverb

/kəmˈbʌɪn/
Definition & pronunciation of combine

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "combine" in English. Here's a breakdown with phonetic transcription and explanations:

1. Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

/kɒmˈbɪn/

2. Breakdown and Explanation:

  • kɒm: This part is pretty straightforward.
    • k - Like the "c" in "cat"
    • ɒm - This is a short, rounded "o" sound like in the word "hot" or "lot." It's a bit shorter and more closed than the "o" in "go."
  • ˈbɪn: This is the stressed syllable (the part of the word that gets emphasized).
    • ˈbɪ – This is the key part. It's a diphthong – a combination of two vowel sounds. It starts like a short “ih” sound (as in “bit”) and smoothly glides towards an “ee” sound. It's similar to the sound in the word "bin" or “win”.
    • n - Like the "n" in "run."

3. How to Say It (Step-by-Step):

  1. Start with the "k" sound: "k" as in "cat."
  2. Say the short "o" sound: "om" as in "hot."
  3. Now, focus on the stressed part: "bin." Make sure you execute the diphthong – that smooth glide from the "ih" sound to the "ee" sound. Think of the sound in "bin" or “win”.
  4. Combine it all: "kɒmˈbɪn"

4. Tips & Common Mistakes:

  • Don’t say “cob-ine.” The “ob” sound is incorrect.
  • The “i” sound in "bin" is important. Getting this right is crucial to the pronunciation.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is by hearing native speakers. You can find plenty of audio examples on:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you a simpler way to describe it (e.g., "like the word 'bin' but with a 'k' at the beginning")?

Usage and examples with the word combine in English

Let's break down how to use the word "combine" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings! Here’s a detailed explanation, broken down into categories with examples:

1. To Join or Unite (Most Common)

  • Meaning: To bring two or more things together to form a single whole. This is the most frequent usage.
  • Examples:
    • "Let's combine our efforts to finish the project on time." (Joining efforts)
    • "The artist combined colors to create a vibrant painting." (Joining colors)
    • "They combined their savings to buy a house." (Joining money)
    • "He combined the ingredients and started baking." (Joining ingredients)

2. To Blend or Mix

  • Meaning: To mix things thoroughly until they become one. Similar to the first meaning, but often implies a more physical blending.
  • Examples:
    • "You need to combine the flour and sugar before adding the eggs." (Mixing ingredients)
    • "The chef combined spices to create a complex flavor." (Blending spices)
    • “The rain combined with the humidity to create a thick fog.” (Blending weather elements)

3. To Merge or Unite (Often Formal)

  • Meaning: To unite in a single entity or system. This is a slightly more formal way of saying "combine."
  • Examples:
    • "The companies decided to combine resources for a larger market share." (Merging resources)
    • "The government plans to combine transportation systems for improved efficiency." (Uniting systems)

4. To Unite in a Specific Purpose or Action

  • Meaning: To work together for a particular reason.
  • Examples:
    • "The activists combined to protest the new regulations." (Working together for a cause)
    • "She combined her work with volunteering at the animal shelter." (Combining activities)

5. (Less Common - Primarily in specific contexts like science/mathematics)

  • Meaning: To calculate or find the total of two or more quantities.
  • Examples:
    • " Combine the forces to get a net result." (Physics - vector addition)
    • “ Combine the data to understand the trends.” (Statistics – consolidating)

Phrases Using “Combine”

Here are some common phrases that use "combine":

  • Combine forces: To work together.
  • Combine efforts: To join one's efforts.
  • Combine ideas: To merge ideas.
  • Combine interests: To have shared interests.
  • Combine mail: To receive mail at a central location.

Tips for Using “Combine” Correctly:

  • Context is key: The specific meaning of “combine” depends heavily on the context of the sentence.
  • Synonyms: Consider synonyms like “join,” “merge,” “mix,” “unite,” “blend,” or “integrate” to choose the most appropriate word.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of situation are you thinking of using "combine" in? (e.g., writing a story, talking about work, discussing a hobby, etc.)
  • Could you provide a sentence where you're trying to use 'combine'? I can then give you feedback on how to make it sound natural and accurate.

Synonyms for the word combine

Idioms of the word combine

join/combine forces (with somebody)
to work together in order to achieve a shared aim
  • The two firms joined forces to win the contract.
  • The two companies have joined forces to form a new consortium.

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