WordGarden.ioconnect
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /kənˈɛkt/
US
- /kəˈnɛkt/
Meanings
Verb
to join or link things so they are physically or functionally related
to put people in contact or establish communication
to link a device, computer, or account to a network or service
More meaningsFewer meanings
to form a personal bond or feel rapport with someone
to associate ideas, facts, events, or people as related
for a route, vehicle, or service to provide a link between places
Beyond the definition
To connect means to bring things together—ideas, people, places, even feelings! Think of train tracks connecting cities, or a good conversation connecting two friends. It's about establishing a link, whether physical, like wires in a circuit, or emotional, like the bond between family members. You can connect the dots on a page to make a picture, and you connect with people by sharing experiences. You can also connect people by introducing them: "I'll connect you with my friend who knows about that." Sometimes it's as simple as understanding how things relate to each other: "I finally connected the pieces of the puzzle!"
The word "connect" is surprisingly versatile! At its core, it means to join or link things together. This can be literal: a bridge connects two sides of a river, and cables connect your computer to the internet. But "connect" goes far beyond physical links.
It describes establishing relationships—you connect with people through shared interests, empathy, and communication. "They really connected at the party" means they formed a strong rapport. You can also connect people with each other: "Let me connect you with our support team." And you can connect ideas; a clever argument connects seemingly unrelated concepts to reach a conclusion.
"Connect" can also mean noticing a relationship: "I didn't connect his comment to what happened earlier." And it can mean resonating with something: "I didn't connect with the ending of the movie" suggests it didn't land for you or move you. In technology, it refers to establishing communication, such as when your phone displays "Connecting..." while searching for a signal, or when someone says, "Can you connect me to the manager?"
Historically, "connect" comes from Latin roots meaning "to fasten together." While we don't often think about fastening things physically when using the word today, that sense of bringing things together remains central to its meaning. So whether it's building bridges, forging friendships, or understanding complex ideas, "connect" is all about creating links and establishing relationships.
Examples
- 1
Device setup
Connect the charger to your phone before you leave the house.
- 2
Internet access
I couldn't connect to the hotel Wi-Fi last night.
- Patternconnect to + network/system
join or use it
- 3
Transport links
This train line connects the city center with the airport.
- 4
Memory association
I always connect that song with summer evenings at my grandparents' house.
- Patternconnect A with B
link two things in your mind
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Professional referral
If you need legal advice, I can connect you with a good lawyer.
- Patternconnect someone with someone
put them in touch
- 6
Public speaking
The speaker used real examples to connect with the audience.
- Patternconnect with someone
make them feel interested or understood
- 7
New classmates
It took him a while to connect with his new classmates.
- 8
Realizing relationships
I didn't connect the two events until I read the report carefully.
- Patternconnect two things
realize that they are related
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- connectverb
Forms
- connectedpast tenseverb
- connecting-ing formverb
- connectsverb