Reading Theme:
Conjunction: Grammar Rules & Celestial Events Explained (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：connecting word (conjunction)
conjunction
/kənˈdʒʌŋkʃən/
n.
A word like 'and' or 'but' that connects parts of a sentence.
connecting word
➕
/kəˈnɛktɪŋ wɜːrd/
n.
A word that links clauses, phrases, or words in a sentence, such as 'and', 'but', or 'or'.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'coniunctio', meaning 'a joining together'.
💡 Mnemonic
Recall 'con' (together) and 'junction' (meeting point) to remember it joins things.
📖 Example
I forgot to buy milk and bread at the store, but my friend reminded me about the conjunction 'and' that should connect them in my shopping list.
I forgot to buy milk and bread at the store, but my friend reminded me about the conjunction 'and' that should connect them in my shopping list.
🔗 Collocations
coordinating conjunction – a conjunction that joins grammatically equal elements, like 'and' or 'but'
subordinating conjunction – a conjunction that introduces a dependent clause, such as 'because' or 'if'
in conjunction with – together with or combined with something else
🔄 Synonyms
connective (n.) – a word or phrase that connects parts of a sentence
linker (n.) – an informal term for a word that links elements together
joiner (n.) – something that joins, though less commonly used for grammatical terms
🚫 Antonyms
disjunction (n.) – a separation or disconnection, opposite of joining
🌱 Derivatives
conjunctional (adj.) – relating to or functioning as a conjunction
conjunctively (adv.) – in a conjunctive manner; as a conjunction
📖 Cultural Story
Originates from Latin 'con-' (together) and 'iungere' (to join). Entered English via Old French, first used in grammar in the 14th century, later extended to astronomy.
Meaning 2：celestial alignment (conjunction)
conjunction
/kənˈdʒʌŋkʃən/
n.
When two stars or planets appear very close together in the sky.
celestial alignment
➕
/səˈlɛstiəl əˈlaɪnmənt/
n.
The event when two celestial bodies, such as planets or stars, appear very close together in the sky from Earth's perspective.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The teacher showed us a picture of a rare conjunction of Mars and Venus, where the two planets looked like a single bright star last night.
The teacher showed us a picture of a rare conjunction of Mars and Venus, where the two planets looked like a single bright star last night.
🔗 Collocations
planetary conjunction – a conjunction involving planets in the solar system
rare conjunction – an infrequent alignment of celestial bodies that is uncommon to observe
great conjunction – the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn, occurring approximately every 20 years
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
opposition (n.) – in astronomy, when two celestial bodies are on opposite sides of the sky as seen from Earth
separation (n.) – the state of being apart or distant, opposite of close alignment
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