What is connection? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of connection

connectionnoun

/kəˈnɛkʃn/
Definition & pronunciation of connection

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "connection" in English. It's a trickier one than it looks! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Core Sounds:

  • con: Sounds like "cone" – as in, a cone of ice cream. Think "kahn."
  • nec: This is where it gets tricky. It's pronounced like "neck" – as in, the part of your body.
  • tion: This is pronounced like "shun" – as in, the word "sun."

2. Putting it Together:

When you say the whole word, it's roughly: "kahn-neck-shun"

3. Stress:

The emphasis (stress) is on the first syllable: "CON-nec-tion"

4. A Helpful Breakdown with Mouth Movements (Visualize this if it helps):

  • "kahn": Round your lips slightly, like you're about to say "cone."
  • "neck": Move your tongue back, as if you’re about to touch your throat.
  • "shun": Open your mouth wider, and pronounce the "sh" sound.

Resources for Hearing It:

Key takeaway: Focus on separating the word into "kahn-neck-shun" and stressing the first syllable.

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Focus on a specific part of the word you find difficult?

Usage and examples with the word connection in English

Let's break down how to use the word "connection" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. Literal Connection (Physical Links)

  • Definition: This is the most straightforward meaning – a link or relationship between things.
  • Examples:
    • “There’s a strong connection between exercise and improved mood.” (A cause-and-effect link)
    • "The wires are connected to form a circuit." (A physical link)
    • "The boat has a connection to the shore." (A physical link across a distance)

2. Social/Personal Connections

  • Definition: Relationships with people; a feeling of belonging or understanding.
  • Examples:
    • "I’m trying to make new connections at the networking event." (Meeting new people)
    • "She has a strong connection with her family." (A close relationship)
    • "He felt a deep connection to the music." (Emotional resonance)
    • “Building positive connections is vital for happiness.” (Forming good relationships)

3. Networking & Professional Connections

  • Definition: In a business context, it refers to relationships for professional advancement.
  • Examples:
    • “Building a good connection with your clients is key to success.”
    • “I need to leverage my professional connections to find a new job.”
    • “She used her connections to get the promotion.”

4. Internet/Technology Connections

  • Definition: A link to the internet or a network.
  • Examples:
    • "I lost my internet connection." (A disruption in the internet link)
    • “The new router provides a faster connection.” (Increased speed)
    • "They need a secure connection to the server."

5. Figurative Connections (Associations & Relationships)

  • Definition: This is where "connection" gets really interesting. It can describe a feeling of being linked to something or someone, often without a direct physical or logical link. It's about a sense of understanding, resonance, or belonging.
  • Examples:
    • “There's a strange connection between that book and my life.” (A feeling of resonance)
    • "I felt a sudden connection with the stranger I met." (An unexpected and powerful feeling of understanding)
    • “She has a connection to her heritage.” (A sense of belonging and identification)

6. "Connection" as a Verb

  • Definition: To link or join.
  • Examples:
    • “Please connect the two wires.”
    • “I want to connect with you on LinkedIn.” (to establish a professional link)

Tips for Using "Connection" Effectively:

  • Context is Key: The meaning of "connection" always depends on the context.
  • Synonyms: Consider using synonyms to add nuance: link, relationship, association, bond, tie, rapport, familiarity.
  • Don't overuse it: While a powerful word, using "connection" too frequently can make your writing feel less precise.

Resources for Further Learning:

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

  • What kind of writing are you doing? (e.g., casual conversation, academic essay, business report, etc.)
  • Can you give me a sentence or phrase where you're trying to use "connection"? I can then help you refine it.

Synonyms for the word connection

Idioms of the word connection

in connection with somebody/something
for reasons connected with somebody/something
  • A man has been arrested in connection with the murder of the teenager.
  • I am writing to you in connection with your recent job application.
in this/that connection
(formal)for reasons connected with something recently mentioned

    Practice with vocabulary connection

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. The project team struggled to establish a clear ______ between the initial research findings and the final product design.
    2. Despite their long-standing professional ______, they rarely discussed personal matters.
    3. Developing a strong ______ with key stakeholders is crucial for successful project implementation.
    4. The direct ______ between effective leadership and team morale is well-documented in organizational psychology.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. Which word(s) best describe(s) a profound sense of shared understanding or empathy between individuals? a) rapport b) acquaintance c) connection d) bond e) familiarity

    2. To what extent does consistent data usage demonstrate a ______ with market trends? a) coincidence b) connection c) correlation d) divergence e) disconnection

    3. The IT department needs to troubleshoot the intermittent internet ______ in the new office wing. a) access b) flow c) connection d) transfer e) link

    4. Which word best describes the ongoing process of sharing information and ideas between individuals or groups? a) engagement b) connection c) dialogue d) communication e) interaction

    5. The long-term ______ between the two rival companies was characterized by intense competition rather than collaboration. a) association b) link c) connection d) relationship e) bond

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. There is a clear tie between economic stability and social welfare. Rewrite using "connection":

    2. Building strong professional networks is vital for career advancement. Rewrite using a word related to "connection":

    3. Despite working remotely, the team managed to establish a good understanding and trust among its members. Rewrite without using "connection" or its related forms:

    Answer:

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. connection
    2. relationship
    3. connection
    4. link

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. a) rapport, c) connection, d) bond
    2. b) connection, c) correlation
    3. c) connection
    4. d) communication
    5. d) relationship

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. There is a clear connection between economic stability and social welfare.
    2. Making strong professional connections is vital for career advancement.
    3. Despite working remotely, the team managed to establish a good rapport among its members.

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