First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1blend
verb \ˈblend\
: to mix (things) thoroughly and usually with good results
: to exist together as a combination
blend·ed also blent \ˈblent\ blend·ing
Full Definition of BLEND
transitive verb
1
: mix; especially : to combine or associate so that the separate constituents or the line of demarcation cannot be distinguished
2
: to prepare by thoroughly intermingling different varieties or grades
intransitive verb
1
a : to mingle intimately or unobtrusively b : to combine into an integrated whole
2
: to produce a harmonious effect
See blend defined for English-language learners
See blend defined for kids
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Origin of BLEND
Middle English, probably from Old Norse blend-, present stem of blanda to mix; akin to Old English blandan to mix, Lithuanian blandus impure, cloudy
Related to BLEND
- Synonyms
- amalgamate, combine, comingle, commingle, commix, composite, concrete, conflate, fuse, homogenize, immingle, immix, incorporate, integrate, interfuse, intermingle, intermix, meld, merge, mingle, mix
- Antonyms
- break down, break up, separate, unmix
Synonym Discussion of BLEND
mix, mingle, commingle, blend, merge, coalesce, amalgamate, fuse mean to combine into a more or less uniform whole. mix may or may not imply loss of each element's identity <mix the salad greens> <mix a drink>. mingle usually suggests that the elements are still somewhat distinguishable or separately active <fear mingled with anticipation in my mind>. commingle implies a closer or more thorough mingling <a sense of duty commingled with a fierce pride drove her>. blend implies that the elements as such disappear in the resulting mixture <blended several teas to create a balanced flavor>. merge suggests a combining in which one or more elements are lost in the whole <in his mind reality and fantasy merged>. coalesce implies an affinity in the merging elements and usually a resulting organic unity <telling details that coalesce into a striking portrait>. amalgamate implies the forming of a close union without complete loss of individual identities <refugees who were readily amalgamated into the community>. fuse stresses oneness and indissolubility of the resulting product <a building in which modernism and classicism are fused>.
2blend
noun
: something produced by mixing or combining different things
Full Definition of BLEND
1
: something produced by blending: as a : a product prepared by blending b : a word (as brunch) produced by combining other words or parts of words
2
: a group of two or more consecutive consonants that begin a syllable
See blend defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of BLEND
1883
Related to BLEND
- Synonyms
- admixture, alloy, amalgam, amalgamation, cocktail, combination, composite, compound, conflation, emulsion, fusion, intermixture, meld, mix, mixture, synthesis
BLENT Defined for Kids
1blend
verb \ˈblend\
blend·edblend·ing
Definition of BLEND for Kids
1
: to mix so completely that the separate things mixed cannot be told apart
2
: to exist agreeably with each other <She chose soft colors that blend well.>
— blend in
: to look like part of something <He tried to blend in with the group.>
2blend
noun
Definition of BLEND for Kids
1
: a thorough mixture : a product made by blending
2
: a word formed by combining parts of two or more other words so that they overlap <The word “smog” is a blend of “smoke” and “fog.”>
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