Combine

/kəmˈbaɪn/

verbBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

To bring (two or more things) together to form a single entity.

/kəmˈbaɪn/

verbneutralBeginner
General

To join or merge together.

The chef combined various spices to create a unique flavor.

💡 Simply: Imagine mixing LEGO bricks together to build something bigger and better. That's combining!

👶 For kids: To put things together.

More Examples

2

We need to combine our resources to overcome this challenge.

How It's Used

General

"Let's combine our efforts to finish the project."

Cooking

"Combine the flour and sugar in a bowl."

2

A machine that cuts, threshes, and cleans grain in one operation.

/ˈkɒmbaɪn/

nounneutralIntermediate
Technology

A machine that harvests grain.

The combine was working non-stop in the vast fields.

💡 Simply: It's like a super-efficient robot that harvests grain all in one go!

👶 For kids: A big machine that picks up grain.

How It's Used

Agriculture

"The farmer used a combine harvester to gather the wheat."

Tip:Imagine a machine that combines multiple steps – cutting, threshing, and cleaning.

Idioms & expressions

combine forces

To work together; to join forces.

"The two companies decided to combine forces to expand their market share."

From Middle English *combinen, from Old French combiner, from Latin combinare, from com- 'together' + binare 'to pair'.

Historically, the word was primarily used in its verb form, with the noun usage related to agricultural machinery becoming prominent in the 19th century.

Memory tip

Think of combining ingredients in a recipe – they become one dish.

combimecomibinecombin

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written