conjunction

noun

con·​junc·​tion kən-ˈjəŋ(k)-shən 

1

: an uninflected linguistic form that joins together sentences, clauses, phrases, or words

Some common conjunctions are "and," "but," and "although."

2

: the act or an instance of conjoining : the state of being conjoined : combination

working in conjunction with state and local authorities

3

: occurrence together in time or space : concurrence

a conjunction of events

4

a

: the apparent meeting or passing of two or more celestial bodies in the same degree of the zodiac

b

: a configuration in which two celestial bodies have their least apparent separation

a conjunction of Mars and Jupiter

5

: a complex sentence in logic true if and only if each of its components is true see Truth Table

conjunctional

kən-ˈjəŋ(k)-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

conjunctionally adverb

Did you know?

What is a conjunction?

Conjunctions are words that join together other words or groups of words.

A coordinating conjunction connects words, phrases, and clauses of equal importance. The main coordinating conjunctions are and, or, and but.

They bought apples, pears, and oranges.

You can wait either on the steps or in the car.

The paintings are pleasant but bland.

When placed at the beginning of a sentence, a coordinating conjunction may also link two sentences or paragraphs.

The preparations were complete. But where were the guests?

She told him that he would have to work to earn her trust. And he proceeded to do just that.

A subordinating conjunction introduces a subordinate clause (a clause that does not form a simple sentence by itself) and joins it to a main clause (a clause that can be used as a simple sentence by itself).

She waited until they were seated.

It had been quiet since the children left.

Some conjunctions are used in pairs. The most common pairs are either ... or, both ... and, neither ... nor, and not only ... but (also).

They could either continue searching or go to the police.

Both Clara and Jeanette graduated from Stanford.

He could neither sing nor dance.

Not only the money but also the jewelry had been found.

Some adverbs, such as afterwards, consequently, for example, however, nonetheless, and therefore, act like conjunctions by linking either two main clauses separated by a semicolon, or two separate sentences. They express some effect that the first clause or sentence has on the second one.

They didn't agree; however, each understood the other's opinion.

We'll probably regret it; still, we really have no choice.

The team has won its last three games. Thus, its record for the year is now 15-12.

Synonyms

• confluence
• convergence
• convergency
• meeting

Examples of conjunction in a Sentence

Some common conjunctions are “and,” “but,” and “although.”

the conjunction of the two major highways creates a massive influx of cars into the city

Recent Examples on the Web

This month’s Mars-Saturn conjunction in Pisces, happening on April 10, is powered by the high-wattage impact of an eclipse in Aries. —Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Mar. 2024

The event came in conjunction with Rolling Stone’s Future of Music issue, the cover of which — featuring Peso Pluma — debuted a day before the showcase started. —Rolling Stone, 22 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see conjunct entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing conjunction

• coordinating conjunction
• in conjunction with
• inferior conjunction
• subordinating conjunction
• superior conjunction

Kids Definition

conjunction

noun

con·​junc·​tion kən-ˈjəŋ(k)-shən 

1

: a joining together

2

: a word or expression that joins together sentences, clauses, phrases, or words