mixture

mixture — noun

1. a combination of two or more different substances, elements, or types of things

1.nounA2
Definition

a combination of two or more different substances, elements, or types of things that are placed together without losing their individual qualities

Example

The cake was a mixture of flour, eggs, sugar, and butter.

mixture of [ingredients]

Kyoto has a fascinating mixture of ancient temples and modern skyscrapers.

mixture of [abstract + concrete things]

Common collocations
  • mixture of
  • strange mixture
  • odd mixture
  • curious mixture
  • interesting mixture
Synonyms
  • blend

    suggests a smoother, more even combination than mixture

  • combination

    more general term; does not imply physical mixing

  • mix

    informal; often used for food or household substances

Antonyms
  • separation

    the state of being apart rather than together

Grammar Patterns

mixture + of + plural noun

2. when two or more substances or items are put together so that they stop being se

2.nounB1
Definition

when two or more substances or items are put together so that they stop being separate

Example

The mixture of the two chemicals must be done slowly to prevent a dangerous reaction.

the mixture of [substances] + must be done

Christopher watched the mixture of blue and yellow paint turn into green.

Common collocations
  • gentle mixture
  • slow mixture
  • careful mixture
  • rapid mixture
  • mixture of...and...
Synonyms
  • mixing

    the gerund form; less formal and more active than mixture

  • blending

    suggests a smooth, thorough combination process

Grammar Patterns

the mixture + of + noun

Usage Note

In this sense mixture is countable but almost always used in the singular. A that-clause or infinitive structure is rare with this sense.

Common Mistakes

The mixing of the colours created a mess.
The mixture of the colours created a mess.
When referring to the process itself, 'mixture' is correct, not 'mixing' (though 'mixing' is also possible as a gerund; 'mixture' here is a noun for the process).

3. a liquid medicine made from a combination of ingredients that must be shaken bef

3.nounB1
Definition

a liquid medicine made from a combination of ingredients that must be shaken before use because the different parts separate when left still

Example

The doctor gave Layla a bottle of brown mixture for her cough.

mixture for [illness]

Shake the mixture well before pouring out a spoonful.

imperative: shake the mixture

Common collocations
  • cough mixture
  • shake the mixture
  • bottle of mixture
  • mixture for
Synonyms
  • medicine

    more general term; not specific to liquid shaken medicines

  • potion

    old-fashioned or fantasy context; not used in modern medicine

Grammar Patterns

mixture for [illness]

Usage Note

This sense is mainly British English. In American English, 'medicine' or 'liquid medicine' is more common. The label on the bottle typically says 'Shake well before use.'

Word family

  • mix
    verbA1
  • mixed
    adjectiveA2
  • mix
    nounA2
  • mixer
    nounB1
  • mixing
    nounB1
  • admixture
    nounC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four words describe things put together, but they differ in how smooth or intentional the result is. 'Mixture' is the most neutral and general term — it simply says two or more things are together, whether well-mixed or not (e.g., a mixture of sand and pebbles). 'Blend' suggests the things have become smoothly and evenly combined, often with a pleasing result (e.g., a blend of spices in a curry). 'Combination' is the broadest term and works for non-physical things too (e.g., a combination of talent and luck). 'Mix' is the most informal and is common in cooking and everyday language (e.g., a cake mix). If you want to be neutral and clear, use 'mixture'. If you want to imply the result is smooth and harmonious, use 'blend'.

mixture ↗blend ↗combination ↗mix ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • substances
  • ingredients
  • chemicals
  • colours
  • emotions
  • cultures
  • styles

Adverbs

Phrases

  • a mixture of
  • a strange mixture of
  • a curious mixture of

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

The word 'mixture' comes from Latin 'mixtura', which came from 'miscēre' meaning 'to mix'. It passed through Old French 'misture' before entering English in the 1500s. The spelling was later changed to match the Latin root more closely.