confluence

/ˈkɒnfluəns/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkɑːnfluəns/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈkän-ˌflü-ən(t)s kən-ˈflü-/ (ame, mw)

confluence — noun

  • confluencesingular
  • confluencesplural

1. a point where two rivers or streams meet and keep moving as one channel

1.名詞C2
釋義

a point where two rivers or streams meet and keep moving as one channel

例句

Christopher set up his camera at the confluence of the Green and Yampa Rivers.

pattern: at the confluence of two rivers

By dusk, Nora reached the confluence below the cliffs and filled her bottle.

同義詞
  • junction

    broader and can describe roads or rail lines as well as rivers

  • meeting point

    plain-language phrase, less specific and less formal

文法句型

the confluence of two rivers

at the confluence of A and B

用法筆記

Usually appears in geography, travel, and environmental writing. It often follows at or appears in the pattern the confluence of two named rivers.

常見錯誤

❌We camped at the mouth of the two rivers.
✅We camped at the confluence of the two rivers.
💡'mouth' is where a river enters the sea or a lake, while 'confluence' is where rivers meet each other.

2. the meeting of separate ideas, groups, or events so that they shape one result

2.名詞C2
釋義

the meeting of separate ideas, groups, or events so that they shape one result

例句

By spring, a confluence of warm weather and lower fares filled the beach town.

pattern: a confluence of + causes

In the report, Omar described a confluence of heavy rain and bus breakdowns.

同義詞
  • convergence

    stresses movement toward the same point or opinion

  • combination

    the everyday word, without the image of streams meeting

  • blend

    suggests a smoother mixture where the parts mix more fully

反義詞
  • divergence

    stresses forces moving apart instead of meeting

文法句型

a confluence of factors

a confluence of cultures

用法筆記

Most often followed by of plus plural nouns such as factors, traditions, or pressures. In everyday English, words like combination, mix, or blend are usually more common.

常見錯誤

❌The town changed because of an influence of students and tourists.
✅The town changed because of a confluence of students and tourists.
💡'influence' suggests one force, while 'confluence' highlights several things coming together.