conjunction

IPA/kənˈdʒʌŋkʃn/
KK[kəndʒˈʌŋkʃən]IPA/kənˈdʒʌŋkʃn/

conjunction — noun

  • conjunctionsingular
  • conjunctionsplural

1. A word that connects other words, phrases, or clauses within a sentence. Common

1.nounA2
Definition

A word that connects other words, phrases, or clauses within a sentence. Common conjunctions include 'and', 'but', 'or', and 'because'.

Example

The teacher asked the class to find all conjunctions in the paragraph on page twelve.

common classroom task: find the conjunctions in a text

Evelyn used the conjunction 'although' to connect two opposite ideas in her essay.

conjunction + [clause] for contrasting ideas

Common collocations
  • coordinating conjunction
  • subordinating conjunction
  • correlative conjunction
Synonyms
  • connective

    a broader term that includes conjunctions as well as other linking words like conjunctive adverbs (however, therefore)

  • linking word

    a more informal, learner-friendly term for any word that joins ideas in a text

Grammar Patterns

conjunction + [clause]

conjunction + [word/phrase]

Usage Note

Conjunctions divide into three main types: coordinating (and, but, or), subordinating (because, although, while), and correlative (either...or, not only...but also).

Common Mistakes

I went home because I was tired.' (correct — but some learners overuse 'because').
I went home because I was tired.
'because' is a subordinating conjunction; the dependent clause needs a main clause to attach to.
Although it was raining, but we went outside.
Although it was raining, we went outside.
'although' and 'but' both express contrast; using both in the same sentence is redundant.

2. A coming together of events or conditions that happen together, often resulting

2.nounB2
Definition

A coming together of events or conditions that happen together, often resulting in a particular outcome.

Example

A conjunction of heavy rain and blocked drains caused flooding in the library basement.

The festival's success came from a happy conjunction of good weather and careful planning.

conjunction of + [noun] + and + [noun]

Common collocations
  • conjunction of events
  • conjunction of circumstances
  • happy conjunction
  • rare conjunction
  • in conjunction with
Synonyms
  • combination

    more general; can refer to things happening together or being put together physically, not necessarily at the same time

  • concurrence

    more formal; emphasises simultaneous occurrence of events

  • coincidence

    suggests chance or surprise that events happen at the same time

Antonyms
  • divergence

    a situation where events or paths move apart rather than coming together

Grammar Patterns

conjunction of + [noun] + and + [noun]

Usage Note

This sense is most common in formal or written English. The phrase "in conjunction with" (meaning "together with") is a frequent fixed expression: "The new policy was developed in conjunction with local teachers."

Common Mistakes

We worked in conjunction to finish the project.
We worked in conjunction with the design team to finish the project.
'in conjunction' requires 'with' + the person or group you are working together with.

3. The position of planets or other celestial bodies when they look very close toge

3.nounC1
Definition

The position of planets or other celestial bodies when they look very close together in the sky from our viewpoint on Earth.

Example

The article explained how a conjunction of Venus and Jupiter would be visible after sunset.

conjunction of + [planet] + and + [planet] in astronomy

Mayumi observed a rare conjunction of Mars and Saturn through her telescope.

Common collocations
  • planetary conjunction
  • great conjunction
  • conjunction of Mars and Jupiter
  • astrological conjunction

Grammar Patterns

conjunction of + [planet] + and + [planet]

Usage Note

In astrology, a conjunction is often interpreted as a powerful moment when the energies of the two planets combine. In astronomy, it is a precise positional term with no special meaning beyond the apparent closeness.

Idioms

in conjunction with somebody/something

idiom

This phrase means doing something together with another person or thing.

The school is working in conjunction with local businesses to offer internships.

Did you use this medicine in conjunction with any other treatment?

Word family

  • conjunct
    adjectiveC2
  • conjunctive
    adjectiveC2
  • conjoin
    verbC1
  • conjoined
    adjectiveC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/2

All four words describe things coming together, but they differ in nuance. 'Combination' is the broadest term — it simply means two or more things are joined or used together, regardless of time (a combination of skill and luck). 'Concurrence' is a formal word that stresses simultaneous occurrence (the concurrence of several economic trends). 'Coincidence' emphasises chance or surprise — events that happen together without being planned (It was pure coincidence that we took the same train). 'Convergence' suggests movement toward a meeting point, often from different directions (a convergence of opinions after the debate). In everyday writing, 'combination' is the safest choice; 'concurrence' and 'convergence' suit more formal or analytical contexts.

combination ↗concurrence ↗coincidence ↗convergence ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • conjunction of events
  • conjunction of circumstances

Adverbs

  • in conjunction

Phrases

  • in conjunction with each other
  • in conjunction with something

Prepositions

  • in conjunction with

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

Conjunction comes from Latin 'coniunctio', meaning 'a joining together'. The Latin word is formed from 'con-' (together) and 'iungere' (to join). It entered English through Old French 'conjunction' in the 14th century, first used as a grammar term and later extended to other contexts where things combine.