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.

Practice with vocabulary combine

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. To create the perfect recipe, you need to __________ the right ingredients in precise proportions.
  2. The team decided to __________ their efforts to complete the project ahead of schedule.
  3. It’s important to __________ your time wisely when juggling multiple tasks.
  4. The scientist was able to __________ the data from different sources into a single comprehensive report.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which word best fits this sentence?
    "The two companies decided to __________ their resources for a more efficient operation."
    a) separate b) combine c) divide d) isolate

  2. What is the best way to complete this sentence?
    "To achieve the desired texture, you should __________ the ingredients thoroughly."
    a) mix b) combine c) scatter d) arrange

  3. Which word does not fit in this sentence?
    "The team managed to __________ their ideas into a cohesive plan."
    a) merge b) combine c) segregate d) integrate

  4. What is the correct word for this sentence?
    "It’s essential to __________ your skills with your experience to excel in this role."
    a) blend b) separate c) combine d) disperse

  5. Which word is the most suitable here?
    "The artist decided to __________ different styles to create a unique masterpiece."
    a) isolate b) dismantle c) combine d) remove

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The teacher merged the two topics into one comprehensive lesson.
    Rewrite: The teacher decided to combine the two topics into one comprehensive lesson.
  2. Original: The company integrated its departments for better collaboration.
    Rewrite: The company chose to combine its departments for better collaboration.
  3. Original: The chef mixed the ingredients to prepare the sauce.
    Rewrite: The chef blended the ingredients to prepare the sauce.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. combine
  2. combine
  3. manage
  4. merge

Exercise 2:

  1. b) combine
  2. a) mix / b) combine
  3. c) segregate
  4. c) combine
  5. c) combine

Exercise 3:

  1. The teacher decided to combine the two topics into one comprehensive lesson.
  2. The company chose to combine its departments for better collaboration.
  3. The chef blended the ingredients to prepare the sauce.

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