Definition and Pronunciation
Connection is the state of being linked, associated, or emotionally bonded with another person, group, idea, or thing. In interpersonal relationships, a connection refers to a sense of closeness, understanding, trust, or shared experience between people. Connections may be emotional, romantic, sexual, familial, social, intellectual, or professional.
A connection does not necessarily involve romantic attraction or sexual activity.
Pronunciation: kuh-NEK-shuhn
Easy Explanation
A connection is a bond or feeling of closeness between people.
For example, two friends may share a strong emotional connection, romantic partners may have both emotional and physical connections, and coworkers may develop a professional connection through collaboration. People can also feel connected through shared interests, experiences, beliefs, or values.
Connections vary in strength and may develop gradually or quickly.
Grammatical Formation
- Part of speech: Noun
- Plural form: Connections
- Related verb: Connect
- Related adjective: Connected
- Related terms: Bond, relationship, attachment
Word Comparisons
Connection vs. Relationship
A connection is the feeling or bond between people. A relationship is the broader, ongoing association between them. A relationship often contains one or more types of connection.
Connection vs. Bond
A bond usually refers to a strong or enduring connection. Connection is a broader term that may describe relationships of varying strength.
Connection vs. Attachment
Attachment is a psychological concept describing enduring emotional ties, particularly in developmental and relationship psychology. Connection is a broader everyday term for feeling linked or close to someone.
Connection vs. Intimacy
Intimacy refers to deep emotional, physical, or psychological closeness. Connection is broader and can exist without intimacy, although intimate relationships often involve a strong connection.
Connotations
The term connection generally has positive and neutral connotations. It is widely used in psychology, counseling, sociology, communication, and relationship studies to describe healthy interpersonal bonds.
Meaning with Prepositions
Connection with
Example: She felt an immediate connection with her new colleague.
Connection between
Example: There was a strong connection between the two friends.
Connection to
Example: Many people feel a deep connection to their family.
Connection through
Example: They developed a connection through shared interests.
Real-Life Examples
Two classmates may develop a connection through working on a project together. Friends often build emotional connections by supporting one another over time. Romantic partners may experience emotional, intellectual, and physical connections. Family members often develop lifelong connections through shared experiences and mutual care.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- Disconnection
- Estrangement
- Separation
- Isolation
- Alienation
- Distance
Related Terms
- Relationship
- Bond
- Attachment
- Intimacy
- Emotional intimacy
- Romantic relationship
- Friendship
- Trust
- Communication
- Affection
- Love
- Partnership
- Human relationships
- Psychology
- Human sexuality
Common Collocations
- Emotional connection
- Strong connection
- Deep connection
- Personal connection
- Romantic connection
- Physical connection
- Social connection
- Human connection
- Genuine connection
- Build a connection
- Feel a connection
- Meaningful connection
Idiomatic and Figurative Usage
The word connection is also commonly used outside interpersonal relationships.
Examples:
- Connection between ideas – a logical relationship between concepts.
- Internet connection – access to a computer network.
- Business connection – a professional contact or association.
These meanings are unrelated to emotional or romantic relationships.
Sample Sentences
- Trust helped them build a strong connection.
- Emotional connection often grows through honest communication.
- A relationship can exist without a deep emotional connection.
- Friends often develop meaningful connections over time.
- Shared experiences strengthen human connections.
- Respect supports healthy relationships.
- Connections vary from person to person.
- Every meaningful connection develops differently.
Connection to Sexuality
Connection is a general interpersonal concept, not a sexual orientation, gender identity, or sexual behavior. In discussions of human sexuality, connection may refer to emotional intimacy, romantic closeness, physical intimacy, or a combination of these. However, many meaningful connections—such as friendships, family relationships, and professional relationships—are entirely non-romantic and non-sexual.
Understanding connection helps distinguish between emotional connection, romantic attraction, sexual attraction, intimacy, relationship structures, sexual orientation, gender identity, and human sexuality. It also highlights the importance of trust, communication, empathy, respect, and consent in developing healthy relationships.
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