concoct

/kənˈkɒkt/ (bre, ipa) · /kənˈkɑːkt/ (ame, ipa) · /kən-ˈkäkt kän-/ (ame, mw)

concoct — verb

  • concoctpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • concoctshe / she / it
  • concoctedpast simple
  • concocting-ing form

1. to put together a meal, drink, or other mixture out of whatever ingredients are

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to put together a meal, drink, or other mixture out of whatever ingredients are around, often in an inventive or unplanned way.

例句

Constanza concocted a quick pasta sauce from leftover tomatoes, garlic, and half a chili.

concoct + [dish] from + [ingredients]

The bartender concocted a bright pink cocktail with grapefruit juice, gin, and rosemary.

concoct + [drink] with + [ingredients]

同義詞
  • whip up

    more informal; emphasises speed

  • mix

    neutral; lacks the inventive nuance

  • prepare

    general; missing the improvised flavour

  • brew

    for drinks, esp. tea, coffee, or potions

文法句型

concoct + [food/drink noun]

用法筆記

Object is usually food, drink, or another physical mixture. Often implies an improvised or unusual combination rather than following a recipe.

常見錯誤

❌Diya concocted the cake using the recipe step by step.
✅Diya followed the recipe and baked the cake step by step.
💡'concoct' implies improvising or mixing creatively, not following a fixed recipe.

2. to make up a story, excuse, or scheme that is not true, usually to fool someone

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

to make up a story, excuse, or scheme that is not true, usually to fool someone or hide what really happened.

例句

Lakan concocted a story about a flat tyre to explain why he missed the meeting.

concoct + a story about + [reason]

The two siblings concocted an elaborate excuse for breaking their grandmother's vase.

concoct + an elaborate excuse

同義詞
  • fabricate

    formal; emphasises deliberate falsehood

  • invent

    neutral; lacks the dishonest connotation

  • make up

    informal; same meaning, more casual

  • devise

    neutral for plans; works for legitimate ones too

文法句型

concoct + [story/excuse/plan]

concoct + that-clause (rare)

用法筆記

Object is typically a story, excuse, alibi, plan, scheme, theory, or lie. Carries a strong implication of dishonesty or fabrication; distinguishes from sense 1 by abstract object and deceptive intent.

常見錯誤

❌Yuki concocted the truth about what happened.
✅Yuki told the truth about what happened.
💡'concoct' implies making something up that is false, so it cannot be used with 'the truth'.