Reading Theme:
Mixture: Definition, Usage & Key Differences (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：combination of ingredients (mixture)
mixture
/ˈmɪkstʃər/
n.
Something made by putting different things together and stirring or shaking them.
combination of ingredients
➕
/kɒmbɪˈneɪʃən əv ɪnˈgriːdiənts/
n.
A substance formed by physically combining two or more different materials, where each retains its own chemical identity.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'mixtura' (a mixing), from 'mixtus' (past participle of 'miscere' - to mix).
💡 Mnemonic
Think: MIX-ture - you MIX things to create it.
📖 Example
To make the cake, first combine the flour, eggs, and milk into a smooth mixture.
This instruction describes the initial step in baking where dry and wet ingredients are blended.
🔗 Collocations
chemical mixture – A combination of two or more substances that are not chemically bonded.
gas mixture – A blend of different gaseous substances, like air.
mixture of emotions – Experiencing multiple conflicting feelings at once.
🔄 Synonyms
blend (n.) – A mixture of different things combined so they are harmonious.
combination (n.) – A joining or merging of different elements.
compound (n.) – A substance formed by the chemical union of two or more elements (implies chemical bonding).
🚫 Antonyms
pure substance (n.) – A material composed of only one type of particle or element.
separation (n.) – The action of moving things apart into distinct components.
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
Originating from Latin 'mixtura', it entered English in the 15th century via Old French, retaining its core meaning of 'act of mixing'. Its scientific use, describing a combination of substances not chemically bonded, solidified during the Scientific Revolution.
Meaning 2：assortment of people (mixture)
mixture
/ˈmɪkstʃər/
n.
A group of people or things from different places or backgrounds that are now together.
assortment of people
➕
/əˈsɔːtmənt əv ˈpiːpl/
n.
A group or collection composed of various different types of people, ideas, or things that have been brought together.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The audience was a fascinating mixture of young students, retired professors, and local artists.
This sentence highlights the diverse composition of people gathered for an event.
🔗 Collocations
ethnic mixture – A population comprising people from various ethnic backgrounds.
curious mixture – An unusual or surprising combination of elements.
mixture of styles – A blend of different artistic or architectural approaches.
🔄 Synonyms
assortment (n.) – A varied collection of different types of things.
medley (n.) – A diverse mixture of people or things, often pleasing.
amalgam (n.) – A mixture or blend of diverse elements, often forming a coherent whole.
🚫 Antonyms
homogeneous group (n.) – A collection of people or things that are all the same or very similar.
uniformity (n.) – The quality of being uniform, identical, or consistent.
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