Meaning & use
blending
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“blending” is a form of “blend”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
noununcountable
The act of mixing things together so they combine smoothly, especially foods or drinks.
Grammar: Used as an uncountable noun: 'Blending takes time.' You cannot say 'a blending' when talking about the process.
Patterns
- blending of something
- the blending process
The blending of the tea leaves gives the drink its smooth taste.
After blending, the sauce should be completely smooth.
This machine is designed for the blending of fruit and ice.
noununcountabletechnical
In language, the making of a new word by joining parts of two other words.
Grammar: Also uncountable; often followed by 'of': 'the blending of smoke and fog'.
Patterns
- blending of something
- word blending
The word 'smog' is an example of blending.
Blending is common in English: 'motel' comes from 'motor' and 'hotel'.
Students learn about blending as one way new words enter a language.
verbtransitive or intransitive
Present participle of blend: mixing things together, or fitting in well with others.
Grammar: As a verb form, it can take an object ('blending the colors') or not ('The colors are blending well').
Patterns
- blending something
- blending in
- blending with something
She is blending the ingredients for the cake.
The new building is blending nicely with the old houses.
He is blending into the crowd so no one notices him.
Common combinations
- blending in
- The chameleon survives by blending in with its surroundings.
- blending together
- The different spices are blending together beautifully.
- word blending
- Word blending created the term 'netizen'.
- blending process
- The blending process takes about ten minutes.
Synonyms and how they differ
- mixing
- Mixing is more general and can be rough; blending suggests a smoother, more thorough combination.
- combining
- Combining just means putting things together; blending often implies they become one smooth whole.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: blending or blinding?
blending vs blinding
Blinding means making someone unable to see, or very bright. Blending is about mixing.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence.
Choose one answer.
After 'is', we need the -ing form 'blending'. Option 0 is correct. Option 2 uses the base form 'blend' after 'is', which is wrong. Option 3 uses 'blends' after 'is', also wrong. Option 1 has a grammar mistake in the second part.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “blending”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.