What does conjunction mean?
A conjunction is a word that binds other elements of language together: terms such as 'and', 'but', 'or', 'although', and 'because' link words, phrases, and clauses into coherent sentences. Without conjunctions, speech would consist of short, choppy fragments; with them, writers can express addition, contrast, cause, condition, and sequence. Grammarians classify them as coordinating, subordinating, or correlative depending on the kind of relationship they signal. Beyond grammar, 'conjunction' also denotes the act of joining or combining — most familiar in the phrase 'in conjunction with', meaning working together — and, in astronomy, it names the apparent close alignment of two celestial bodies, such as Jupiter and Venus. Derived from Latin roots meaning 'to join together', the word is precise, slightly formal in its non-grammatical uses, and indispensable for describing connection in both language and the wider world.
A word used to connect words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence.
"'But' is a coordinating conjunction that signals contrast between clauses."
The action or process of joining things together; a combination or simultaneous occurrence.
"The project succeeded only in conjunction with sustained community support."
In astronomy, the alignment of two celestial bodies at the same celestial longitude, making them appear close together from Earth.
"The rare conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter drew observers worldwide in December 2020."
Regular plural; used freely in all senses, most commonly when discussing categories of linking words in grammar.
"Writers rely heavily on conjunctions to keep their prose from sounding staccato."
Every sentence you've ever written owes its flow to conjunctions — tiny words like 'and' and 'but' that do the heavy lifting of human thought.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of conjunction
Conjunction derives from Latin 'coniunctio', meaning 'a joining together', formed from the verb 'iungere' ('to join') plus the prefix 'com-' ('together'). It entered English via Old French in late Middle English, initially carrying its general sense of union before becoming established in grammar and astronomy. Its cognates include 'junction', 'juncture', 'join', and 'conjoin', all descendants of the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How conjunction is actually used
In grammar, conjunctions are conventionally divided into coordinating (e.g. 'and', 'but', 'or'), subordinating (e.g. 'because', 'although'), and correlative types (e.g. 'either...or'); the non-grammatical senses are somewhat formal in register, often appearing in the fixed phrase 'in conjunction with' meaning 'together with'. The astronomical sense is a technical term of long standing.
Easily confused with conjunction
Conjugation refers to the variation of verb forms, whereas a conjunction is a connecting word like 'and' or 'but'.
A junction is typically a physical point where roads or lines meet, while conjunction is chiefly grammatical or abstract, denoting joining in general.