connected

connected — adjective

1. describing two or more items — such as wires, pipes, or electronic parts — that

1.adjectiveB1
Definition

describing two or more items — such as wires, pipes, or electronic parts — that are fixed to each other so that electricity, water, or signals can move between them

Example

The plumber checked that the two water pipes were properly connected before turning the supply back on.

collocation: properly / securely connected

Each speaker is connected to the amplifier by a single cable.

Common collocations
  • tightly connected
  • securely connected
  • directly connected
  • physically connected
Synonyms
  • joined

    more general; does not imply a functional link the way 'connected' does

  • fastened

    suggests a temporary or mechanical fixing, often with a tool or fastener

  • attached

    used when one item is fixed onto another, especially small parts added to a main object

Antonyms
  • disconnected

    the direct opposite — describes items that were joined but are now separated

  • detached

    suggests a clean separation, often by design

Grammar Patterns

be connected to [something]

Usage Note

Frequently followed by 'to' to specify what something is joined with. 'Connected with' is less common for physical joins and more often used for abstract relationships.

Common Mistakes

The document file is connected to the email.
The document file is attached to the email.
'connected' is used for physical or electronic links between devices, not for files sent with messages.

2. describing a computer, phone, or other device that is linked to a network or the

2.adjectiveB1
Definition

describing a computer, phone, or other device that is linked to a network or the internet, allowing it to send and receive data

Example

Yasmin could not finish her online class because her laptop was not connected to the Wi-Fi.

collocation: connected to Wi-Fi / the internet

The hotel rooms all have a desk and a screen that stays connected to the main booking system.

Common collocations
  • stay connected
  • get connected
  • connected wirelessly
  • connected online
Synonyms
  • online

    nearly identical; 'online' is an adverb or adjective emphasising active internet use

  • linked up

    informal British English; suggests a temporary pairing of devices

Antonyms
  • offline

    the standard opposite for internet or network access

  • disconnected

    used when the link has been intentionally or accidentally broken

Grammar Patterns

be connected to [the internet / a network]

Usage Note

Often used without a complement in informal contexts ('Are you connected?') to ask whether someone has internet access. The preposition 'to' introduces the specific network or service.

Common Mistakes

I am connected to the meeting.' (meaning 'I am attending')
I am connected to the Wi-Fi.' or 'I have joined the meeting.
'connected' describes device-to-network status, not participation in an event.

3. describing a place that is easy to reach from other areas because trains, buses,

3.adjectiveB2
Definition

describing a place that is easy to reach from other areas because trains, buses, or major roads serve it

Example

The new MRT station makes this area well connected to the rest of the city.

collocation: well connected / poorly connected

Lan's village is not connected by train, so visitors must take a bus or drive.

collocation: connected by [train / bus / road]

Common collocations
  • well connected
  • poorly connected
  • connected by road
  • connected by rail
Synonyms
  • accessible

    broader — includes physical access for people with disabilities, not only transport links

  • well-served

    slightly more formal; emphasises that good services exist in the area

Antonyms
  • isolated

    suggests a place that is far from other towns and difficult to visit

  • remote

    implies distance from urban centres, not just poor transport links

Grammar Patterns

be well connected

be connected by [transport]

Usage Note

Almost always appears with an adverb such as 'well' or 'poorly', or with the preposition 'by' naming the transport type. It describes a location's accessibility, not a person's mobility.

Common Mistakes

The train station is very connected.
The area around the station is well connected by train.
the adjective describes the location or neighbourhood, not the transport hub itself.

4. having a clear link or association with a particular person, event, subject, or

4.adjectiveB2
Definition

having a clear link or association with a particular person, event, subject, or situation

Example

The two burglaries are connected — both happened on the same street within an hour.

collocation: be connected — structurally independent with explanatory clause

Abigail felt that her frequent headaches were connected to the stress of her new job.

Common collocations
  • closely connected
  • directly connected
  • loosely connected
  • connected with
Synonyms
  • related

    the closest synonym; slightly more general and can describe family ties, topics, or causes

  • linked

    implies a direct and often causal relationship between two things

  • associated

    suggests a looser or more indirect connection, often through context or prior involvement

Antonyms
  • unrelated

    the most direct opposite — no link exists

  • separate

    implies the two items are distinct and independent

Grammar Patterns

be connected to [something / someone]

Usage Note

This sense can take either 'to' or 'with', but 'to' is more common in modern English. Unlike sense 1, the connection is abstract — a shared detail, origin, or theme — not a physical join.

Common Mistakes

This problem is very connected.
This problem is connected to the other issue.
in this abstract sense, 'connected' nearly always needs a complement (connected to / with) to complete the meaning.

5. experiencing a sense of understanding, closeness, or shared emotion with another

5.adjectiveB2
Definition

experiencing a sense of understanding, closeness, or shared emotion with another person, a group, or an activity

Example

After sharing stories for hours, Ishaan felt deeply connected to his new friend.

collocation: feel connected to [someone]

Mauricio never felt connected to his hometown until he returned years later to help rebuild it.

Common collocations
  • deeply connected
  • emotionally connected
  • feel connected
  • strongly connected
Synonyms
  • close

    shorter and very common; implies a strong personal bond built over time

  • bonded

    suggests a deep mutual tie formed through shared hardship or experience

  • attuned

    more formal; suggests understanding someone's emotions or needs without words

Antonyms
  • detached

    implies emotional distance or lack of involvement

  • distant

    suggests a relationship that is not warm or affectionate

Grammar Patterns

feel connected to [someone / something]

Usage Note

Nearly always used with the verb 'feel' to make the emotional nature clear. Without 'feel', a sentence such as 'I am connected to my brother' could be read as sense 4 (related by blood) or sense 1 (in contact by phone). Adding 'feel' disambiguates.

Common Mistakes

I am very connected to my brother.' (ambiguous — could mean just in touch)
I feel very connected to my brother.
adding 'feel' makes it clear you mean emotional closeness.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/5

All four words describe a feeling of emotional nearness, but they differ in strength and context. 'Close' is the most general and everyday term — you can be close to a sibling, a friend, or a colleague after years of trust. 'Bonded' suggests a deeper mutual tie, often formed through shared hardship or intense experience, such as soldiers who served together. 'Attuned' is more formal and intellectual — it means you understand someone's feelings or needs almost instinctively, like a therapist who is attuned to a client's mood. 'Connected' (this sense) is broader: it can describe a spiritual link to nature, an instant rapport with a stranger, or a lasting tie to a community. For example, you might say 'I feel connected to this place' but 'I am close to my mother' — the first is about a sense of belonging, the second about a personal relationship built over time.

close ↗bondedattunedconnected ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • keep someone connected
  • stay connected
  • feel connected
  • well connected
  • remain connected

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

The word 'connected' comes from the Latin verb 'connectere', which combines 'con-' (meaning 'together') and 'nectere' (meaning 'to tie or bind'). It entered English through French in the 15th century, originally describing physical things tied or fastened together. By the 18th century it had broadened to include abstract links between ideas, events, or people. The technology and internet senses emerged in the late 20th century as computers and communication networks became widespread.