Definition

1. Verb:

   • To join or merge two or more things together to form a single entity or to function as one: This is the core meaning, referring to the act of uniting separate elements.
   • To mix or blend different substances or components: Often used in contexts of chemistry, cooking, or any process where ingredients are intermixed.
   • To possess or exhibit two or more qualities or characteristics simultaneously: Used to describe a person or thing that has multiple, often distinct, attributes.

2. Noun:

   • A group of people or companies acting together for a commercial purpose: Specifically refers to a syndicate, trust, or cartel formed to control production and reduce competition.
   • A combined harvester: A large agricultural machine that reaps, threshes, and cleans grain in a single operation across a field.

Examples of Usage

• Verb:

  • We need to combine our efforts to solve this problem.
  • To make the sauce, combine the oil and vinegar in a bowl.
  • Her teaching style combines patience with high expectations.

• Noun:

  • The oil combine was accused of fixing prices.
  • The farmer drove the combine through the wheat field.

Advanced Usage

• "To combine against": To unite in opposition to a common threat or competitor.
  • The smaller companies combined against the market leader.
• "In combination with": Used together with something else.
  • This drug is most effective in combination with a healthy diet.

Variants and Related Words

• Combination (n): The act or result of combining; a mixture or alliance.
  • A successful combination of flavors.
• Combined (adj): Joined or united.
  • The combined efforts of the team led to victory.
• Combiner (n): One who or that which combines (less common).
• Combine harvester (n): The full term for the agricultural machine.

Synonyms

• Merge: To cause to combine or coalesce.
• Unite: To join together for a common purpose.
• Blend: To mix smoothly and inseparably.
• Amalgamate: To combine into a unified structure.
• Integrate: To bring parts together into a whole.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Combine with: To join or mix one thing with another.
  • Hydrogen combines with oxygen to form water.

Related Idioms

• A winning combination: A pair or group of factors that work very well together to ensure success.
  • Hard work and talent are a winning combination.

Noun

1. an occurrence that results in things being united
2. a consortium of independent organizations formed to limit competition by controlling the production and distribution of a product or service
   • they set up the trust in the hope of gaining a monopoly
3. harvester that heads and threshes and cleans grain while moving across the field

Verb

1. mix together different elements
   • The colors blend well
2. gather in a mass, sum, or whole
3. join for a common purpose or in a common action
   • These forces combined with others
4. add together from different sources
   • combine resources
5. combine so as to form a whole; mix
   • compound the ingredients
6. put or add together
   • combine resources
7. have or possess in combination
   • she unites charm with a good business sense