concoction

/kɔn'kɔkʃn/

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Explanation of the Word "Concoction"

Definition: The word "concoction" is a noun that refers to something that is created by mixing various ingredients together. This can be a food or drink, like a soup or a cocktail, or even a story or idea that someone has created by combining different elements for a specific purpose.

Usage Instructions

• When to use: Use "concoction" when you want to describe a mixture that has been made from different parts or ingredients. You can use it for both food and drinks, as well as for ideas or stories.
• Example: "She made a delicious concoction of fruits and yogurt for breakfast."

Advanced Usage

• You can also use "concoction" to refer to complex ideas or plans that might be made up of different elements. For example, "His explanation was a concoction of truth and exaggeration."

Word Variants

• Concoct (verb): To mix together ingredients to create something. For example, "She likes to concoct new smoothie recipes."
• Concocted (adjective): Something that has been created or made up. For example, "The concocted story didn't convince anyone."

Different Meanings

1. Literal: Referring to a physical mixture, such as a drink or food.

   • Example: "The chef's latest concoction was a spicy soup."

2. Figurative: Referring to a made-up story or scheme.

   • Example: "The journalist questioned the validity of his concoction about the events."

Synonyms

• Mixture
• Blend
• Combination
• Creation
• Formula

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• While "concoction" does not have specific idioms or phrasal verbs associated with it, you might hear phrases like "concoct a plan" which means to create a plan or scheme, often with a hint of deception or creativity.

Example Sentences

1. Food/Drink: "The bartender served a special concoction that was a mix of tropical juices and rum."
2. Story/Idea: "His elaborate excuse was just a concoction to avoid getting in trouble."
3. Unusual Mixture: "The science experiment resulted in a strange green concoction that bubbled over."

Conclusion

In summary, "concoction" is a versatile word that can describe anything from a tasty recipe to a cleverly made-up story.

Academic

Noun

1. the act of creating something (a medicine or drink or soup etc.) by compounding or mixing a variety of components
2. the invention of a scheme or story to suit some purpose
   • his testimony was a concoction
   • she has no peer in the concoction of mystery stories
3. an occurrence of an unusual mixture
   • it suddenly spewed out a thick green concoction
4. any foodstuff made by combining different ingredients
   • he volunteered to taste her latest concoction
   • he drank a mixture of beer and lemonade

Synonyms

• confection
• mixture
• intermixture