Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/kənˈkɒkʃən/

Definitions

• A mixture or combination of different ingredients, substances, or elements, often implying something artificial or invented.
• An elaborate or complicated plan, idea, or scheme, often invented or fabricated.
• A drink or dish made by mixing various ingredients, often in a creative or unusual way.

Usage Examples

• He was puzzled by the strange concoction his friend served at dinner.
• The conspiracy was just a concoction of various rumors and false information.
• She whipped up a concoction of fruit juices and herbs for the summer party.

Etymology

From Latin "concoctio," meaning "a cooking together," derived from "concoquere" (to cook together). It evolved from the literal sense of mixing ingredients in cooking to a broader metaphorical sense of creating or combining elements in various contexts, often with the implication of fabrication or invention.

Synonyms

• Mixture
• Blend
• Combination
• Creation
• Constitution
• Fabrication

Antonyms

• Separation
• Disintegration
• Deconstruction
• Individuality

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In British English: /kənˈkɒkʃən/ with a short "o" sound, as in "hot."
• In American English: /kənˈkɑːkʃən/ with a longer "a" sound, as in "father."

Historical Usage

The word "concoction" originated in the 16th century, derived from Latin "concoctio," meaning "a cooking together." Initially used to describe a mixture of ingredients in cooking, it later broadened in meaning to refer to any combination of elements, often implying that the mixture was artificially created or invented. By the 19th century, "concoction" was also used to describe elaborate, fabricated plans or stories.

Cultural Nuances

The word "concoction" often carries a somewhat playful or negative connotation, particularly when used to describe a fabricated or misleading story or plan. It implies an element of trickery or inventiveness, whether in the culinary arts or in human scheming. While in some cultures, "concoction" may suggest creative problem-solving or innovation, it can also denote something fabricated or concocted for deceptive purposes.

More Information

"Concoction" can refer to both the culinary art of mixing various ingredients to create something new, as well as the invention of ideas, plans, or stories. In cooking, it often highlights the inventive aspect of combining different flavors or ingredients in unique ways. In other contexts, particularly when discussing plans or stories, the term may suggest artificiality or fabrication, especially when the concoction is intended to deceive or mislead.