connect
verb (intransitive)
UK/kəˈnɛkt/US/kəˈnɛkt/
To be relevant or applicable to a particular situation or topic.
Example Sentences
The information provided does not connect to the current topic of discussion.
His comments connect directly with the issues we are facing today.
The study connects various factors that influence consumer behavior.
The rules do not connect with the unique circumstances of this case.
The evidence presented connects him to the crime scene.
The concept of time connects past, present, and future in a continuous flow.
Her research connects psychological theories with practical applications in education.
The analogy connects complex scientific ideas to everyday experiences.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
To link or join people or things, establishing a relationship or continuity.This verb describes bringing separate entities together, either physically or conceptually. You might “connect a cable to a device,” physically joining them so data or power can flow, or “connect two ideas,” showing how they relate logically. In personal contexts, it can mean forming emotional or social bonds—“They connected over shared interests.” When using it in conversation or writing, clarify whether it’s literal (like hooking up wires) or figurative (fostering relationships or logical links). Grammatical forms include “connect” (present tense), “connected” (past tense and past participle), and “connecting” (present participle). You may also come across phrasal verbs like “connect with someone,” “connect to the network,” or “connect up devices,” which emphasize the direction or nature of the linkage. Whether referring to people, machines, or concepts, “connect” signals that two or more things are brought into mutual relation.
Alternatives
Depending on context, several synonyms or related expressions capture different nuances. For a physical or technical sense, “link,” “join,” or “attach” may be apt, as with connecting cables or wiring. For conceptual or emotional contexts, “relate,” “bond,” or “engage” might emphasize understanding or rapport—“They bonded over their shared hobbies.” If you’re highlighting digital or network interactions, “plug in,” “log on,” or “pair” may fit better—e.g., pairing a Bluetooth device. For forging professional or academic relationships, “network” or “collaborate” can replace “connect.” Each alternative refines the nature of the linkage—physical, social, intellectual, or digital—ensuring your choice reflects whether you’re merging ideas, bridging cultures, or literally attaching objects.
Writing
In writing, “connect” conveys the act of merging details, ideas, or entities. You might use it when describing character relationships—“These two protagonists initially clash, but later connect over mutual losses”—or when discussing how evidence ties back to a thesis in an essay—“This data connects directly to our main argument.” If you’re penning how-to instructions, “connect” clarifies steps: “Connect the red cable to the matching red port.” In academic or analytical texts, consider specifying how or why the items connect, providing context for the purpose or effect of their linkage—e.g., “This theory connects historical events to modern social phenomena.” Vary your vocabulary—employ synonyms like “link,” “tie,” or “relate” if you find yourself reusing “connect” too often. Above all, ensure readers grasp the mechanism or reason behind the connection, whether it’s thematic, conceptual, emotional, or physical. This precision helps them see exactly how seemingly separate parts form a coherent whole in your narrative or argument.
Casual Conversation
In everyday speech, “connect” appears when people talk about building rapport or hooking up technology. You might say, “I really connected with my new neighbor,” meaning you formed an instant friendship, or “Let me connect my phone to the speaker,” describing a practical action. It’s also common to ask someone if they’re on the same wavelength—“Are you connecting with what I’m saying?”—checking if they understand or share the same viewpoint. If you’re scheduling a meetup, you might say, “Let’s connect next week,” implying you want to get together or catch up. With the rise of online networking, phrases like “connect on social media” or “connect via LinkedIn” are also typical, emphasizing digital channels. In casual contexts, “connect” keeps things direct and friendly, signaling that you want to join ideas, devices, or people in a seamless, interactive way. If you need variety, you could use “catch up,” “get together,” or “plug in,” depending on whether you’re focusing on personal bonding or a literal technological link.
Etymology
The word “connect” traces back to the Latin “conectere,” from “com-” (together) and “nectere” (to bind). Over centuries, Middle English adapted it from Old French, retaining the essence of binding or linking separate pieces. Its early usage covered both physical attachments (tying ropes or materials) and metaphorical bonds (joining ideas). As technology advanced, “connect” expanded to mean linking digital systems, networks, and devices, while socially it came to emphasize emotional or intellectual rapport between people. Despite these developments, the core idea remains the same—unifying or tying together elements into a cohesive whole, whether those elements are wires, concepts, or human relationships.