What does combination mean?
Word: Combination
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: Combination means two or more things joined or put together; also the set of numbers that opens a lock.
Synonyms: blend, mix, union
Antonyms: separation, division
How do you spell combination?
Syllables: com - bi - na - tion
Tricky part: Before the b the sound is spelt with m, not n. The ending is ation.
Watch out for: conbination, combanation, combinaton
Memory tip: Combine drops its e and takes ation.
Combination in a sentence
Example 1: Her success came from a combination of hard work and good coaching.
Example 2: Chaat is a delicious combination of sweet, sour and spicy flavours.
Example 3: Sunil forgot the combination of his suitcase lock at the airport.
Fun Fact
In mathematics a combination is a choice in which order does not matter. Since order matters on a combination lock, mathematicians joke that it should be called a permutation lock.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Connection
Choose the word closest in meaning to combination as used in the sentence:
Good health is a combination of sensible food, exercise and enough sleep.
a) contrast
b) absence
c) mixture
d) sequence
Show answer
c) mixture. A combination is several things put together, which is a mixture; contrast is about differences.
Mingle-Mangle
Unjumble the word in the sentence and choose it:
Our national flag is a taboncionim of three colours and a wheel.
a) combustion
b) combination
c) condemnation
d) contribution
Show answer
b) combination. Condemnation needs a d and an e, contribution an r and a u, and combustion a u and an s, none of which the jumble has.
Word Cookie
Find the extra letter in the word:
combinnation
a) m
b) b
c) t
d) n
Show answer
d) n. The n after the bi is single; the doubled one is extra.
Spell-o-Spell
Only one word in the list is misspelt. Choose the meaning of that word.
1. ingrediant 2. combination 3. portion 4. flavour
a) one of the foods that go into a dish
b) two or more things put together as one
c) the taste that a food has
d) the amount of food served to one person
Show answer
a) one of the foods that go into a dish. Ingredient ends in ent, the same ending as patient; combination, flavour and portion are all spelt correctly.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. A combination lock opens when you ____.
a) line up the right numbers
b) scan your fingerprint on it
c) hold a magnet against it
d) turn the right key in it
Show answer
a) line up the right numbers
2. In maths, how many combinations of two fruits can you choose from an apple, a mango and a banana, if order does not matter?
a) 3
b) 6
c) 9
d) 2
Show answer
a) 3
