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Meaning & use

connectors

noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/kəˈnektəz/
US/kəˈnɛktɚz/

“connectors” is a form of “connector”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.

Meanings

  1. nounplural

    Devices or fittings that join two things together, especially cables, pipes or electronic parts.

    Grammar: Plural of connector: the connectors are loose.

    Patterns

    • connectors for something
    • connectors between things

    The electrician replaced the rusty connectors on the battery.

    These connectors fit both USB and charging cables.

    Check that the pipe connectors are tight before turning on the water.

  2. nounplural

    Words or phrases, such as however, because and therefore, that join ideas, sentences or clauses and show how they relate.

    Grammar: Plural of the language sense: use connectors to link sentences.

    Patterns

    • connectors such as something

    Connectors like however and although help your essay flow.

    Her paragraph needs more connectors to show cause and effect.

    The teacher gave the class a list of connectors for contrast.

  3. nounpluralinformal

    People who bring others together, introducing contacts and building networks.

    Grammar: Plural of the people sense, often used in business writing.

    Patterns

    • connectors in something

    Great connectors seem to know everyone and happily make introductions.

    Startups benefit from connectors who link founders with investors.

    In our village, the librarians are natural connectors.

Common combinations

electrical connectors
Electrical connectors must be rated for the voltage.
logical connectors
Logical connectors such as therefore show reasoning.
cable connectors
Cable connectors wear out if bent repeatedly.
use connectors
Use connectors to show how your points relate.
natural connectors
Natural connectors enjoy putting friends in touch.

Synonyms and how they differ

links
It is a looser word and can refer to any connection, while connectors usually means a specific part or word.
fasteners
It means pieces that hold things physically together, such as screws, and does not carry electricity or meaning.
conjunctions
It is the strict grammar term for joining words, whereas connectors also covers phrases like on the other hand.
adapters
Adapters change one type of plug to fit another, while connectors simply join.

Opposites

dividers

Word family

connector noun
singular form
connect verb
to join or link
connection noun
a link between things
disconnect verb
to break a link
connective noun
a word that links clauses

Commonly confused: connectors or connectives?

connectors vs connectives

Connectives is the more formal grammar term for linking words. Connectors is used in teaching and also for physical parts.

Practice

In an essay, words like however and therefore are often called ____.

Make it your own

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