Words / C1

SINTH-uh-sis/ˈsɪnθəsɪs/

A synthesis is a new whole made by combining different ideas or sources: a synthesis of three articles. Summary repeats; synthesis reorganises and connects. Combination is everyday and looser. Synthesise is the verb (a key exam skill). In chemistry it has a technical sense. In speech, pulling it together is the plain paraphrase.

Meaning

The combination of different ideas or things into a new whole.

Examples

• “The essay is a synthesis of three articles.”
• “The last chapter is a synthesis, not another case study.”
• “Good essays synthesise sources instead of stacking quotations.”

Good to know

a synthesis of + sources. Verb: synthesise. Not a mere summary. Everyday: combining into one view.

Near in meaning

combination

New