- Main Entry:
- 1join
- Pronunciation:
-
\ˈjȯin\
- Function:
- verb
- Etymology:
- Middle English, from Anglo-French joindre, from Latin jungere — more at yoke
- Date:
- 13th century
transitive verb1 a: to put or bring together so as to form a unit <join two blocks of wood with glue> b: to connect (as points) by a line c: adjoin2: to put or bring into close association or relationship <joined in marriage>3: to engage in (battle)4 a: to come into the company of <joined us for lunch> b: to associate oneself with <joined the church>intransitive verb1 a: to come together so as to be connected <nouns join to form compounds> b: adjoin <the two estates join>2: to come into close association or relationship: as a: to form an alliance b: to become a member of a group c: to take part in a collective activity <join in singing>
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join·able \ˈjȯi-nə-bəl\ adjective synonyms join,
combine,
unite,
connect,
link,
associate,
relate mean to bring or come together into some manner of union.
join implies a bringing into contact or conjunction of any degree of closeness
<joined forces in an effort to win>.
combine implies some merging or mingling with corresponding loss of identity of each unit
<combined jazz and rock to create a new music>.
unite implies somewhat greater loss of separate identity
<the colonies united to form a republic>.
connect suggests a loose or external attachment with little or no loss of identity
<a mutual defense treaty connected the two nations>.
link may imply strong connection or inseparability of elements still retaining identity
<a name forever linked with liberty>.
associate stresses the mere fact of frequent occurrence or existence together in space or in logical relation
<opera is popularly associated with high society>.
relate suggests the existence of a real or presumed logical connection
<related what he observed to what he already knew>.
