Pronunciation: [kˌɒmbɪnˈe͡ɪʃən] (IPA) 
The word "combination" is spelled with the letter "b" between "m" and "i", leading to confusion in its pronunciation. The correct phonetic transcription is /ˌkɒmbɪˈneɪʃən/, with the emphasis on the second syllable. The "b" is silent, and the "i" is pronounced as "uh". This word describes the act of combining or the result of something being combined. It is commonly used in fields such as mathematics, science, and technology.
A combination is a noun that refers to the act of combining multiple elements or entities to form a single whole or unit. It typically involves the joining or merging of different things that, when combined, create a new entity or mixture. In mathematics and statistics, a combination is the selection of items from a larger set without regard to the order of the elements. For example, if there are five fruits and you want to choose three without considering their order, then the number of combinations is calculated.
In a broader sense, a combination can also describe the harmonious blending or integration of different elements, such as colors, flavors, or sounds, to create a pleasing or cohesive result. This concept is commonly explored in fields like art, design, music, and cuisine, where elements are combined to evoke specific emotions, convey messages, or fulfill desired purposes.
Additionally, the term combination is frequently used in various contexts, such as sports, puzzles, safety mechanisms, and technology. It can denote the coalition or collaboration of individuals or groups working together towards a common goal or objective. Further, it may refer to the arrangement or assembly of elements, parts, or components into a functional or effective unit, often involving strategic configurations or sequences.
Overall, the notion of combination encompasses the action, process, or result of joining, mixing, organizing, or coordinating diverse elements, leading to new structures, creations, or outcomes that hold significance or usefulness.
Close union or connection; an intimate union of two or more persons or things to effect some purpose; a union of particulars; chemical combination, the tendency of certain substances to unite and form a new substance.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "combination" derives from the Latin word "combinatio", which is the noun form of the verb "combinare". "Combinare" is a compound formed from the prefix "com-" meaning "together" and the verb "binare" meaning "to join or link". Thus, "combination" originally meant "the act of joining or linking together". It entered the English language in the late 14th century.
