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B1 Verb #28 가장 일반적인 14분 분량

merge

상위 28

At the A1 level, 'merge' is a bit advanced, but you can understand it in very simple ways. Think about colors. If you take blue paint and yellow paint and put them together, they 'merge' to make green. They become one new color. You can also think about roads. Sometimes two roads come together to make one big road. This is called 'merging'. It means two things become one thing. You might hear this word when you are playing with toys or looking at pictures. It is a word about making things one. When you merge, you don't have two separate things anymore; you have one new thing. It is like making a sandwich where all the ingredients come together to make one meal. Even though 'merge' is a big word, the idea is simple: 1 + 1 = 1 new thing.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'merge' to describe simple actions in your daily life. For example, when you are driving or riding in a car, you might see a sign that says 'Merge'. This means the lane you are in is ending, and you must move into the other lane so that all the cars are in one line. You can also use it for simple computer tasks. If you have two lists of names, you can 'merge' them to make one long list. In school, if two small classes are put together to make one big class, they are 'merged'. The important thing to remember is that 'merge' means things are joining together to become one. It is more than just 'joining' because the two things become a single unit. You will often use the word 'with' after merge, like 'The small path merges with the big road.'

At the B1 level, 'merge' becomes a very useful word for describing more complex situations, especially in business and social contexts. You will hear it often in the news when two companies decide to work together as one company. For example, 'The two banks merged to create a larger company.' This is a common way to talk about professional changes. You can also use 'merge' to talk about ideas or cultures. When people from different countries live together, their traditions might 'merge' to create new ways of living. In your writing, 'merge' is a great word to use instead of 'mix' or 'join' when you want to sound more professional and precise. It shows that you understand how things can integrate and become a unified whole. You should practice using it with prepositions like 'into' and 'with' to describe different types of combinations.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'merge' in a variety of formal and informal contexts. You understand that 'merge' implies a loss of individual identity for the sake of a larger unity. In business, you can discuss the pros and cons of corporate mergers, using the word to describe the integration of assets, cultures, and staff. In technology, you can talk about 'merging' data sets or code branches, recognizing it as a standard part of digital workflows. You can also use 'merge' metaphorically to describe the blending of artistic styles, philosophical ideas, or historical periods. For example, 'The novelist merges historical facts with fictional characters to create a compelling story.' At this level, you can distinguish 'merge' from more technical synonyms like 'amalgamate' or 'coalesce', choosing the word that best fits the register of your conversation or writing.

At the C1 level, you use 'merge' with a high degree of precision and stylistic awareness. You can use it to describe subtle processes of integration in academic, professional, and literary contexts. You might analyze how different social movements 'merge' over time to form a more powerful political force, or how distinct linguistic dialects 'merge' in a metropolitan area. You are aware of the legal and financial implications of the word in a corporate setting and can use it accurately in complex discussions. In literature, you might describe how an author 'merges' multiple perspectives to create a polyphonic narrative. Your use of 'merge' reflects an understanding of its power to describe the synthesis of diverse elements into a cohesive and often more complex whole. You can also use the noun 'merger' and related terms like 'synergy' and 'integration' to provide a comprehensive analysis of the process.

At the C2 level, 'merge' is a tool for sophisticated analysis and creative expression. You can use it to explore philosophical concepts of unity and identity, or to describe complex scientific phenomena like the 'merging' of black holes or galaxies. Your usage is nuanced, taking into account the historical and etymological roots of the word. You can use 'merge' to describe the seamless integration of technology and human life, or the fluid boundaries between different fields of study. In professional contexts, you can lead discussions on the strategic benefits and cultural challenges of large-scale organizational mergers. Your command of the word allows you to use it in a way that is both precise and evocative, capturing the essence of transformation and unification. You can effortlessly switch between literal and metaphorical uses, employing 'merge' to articulate the most complex ideas about how the world and its many parts come together.

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

merge 30초 만에

Merge means to combine two or more separate things into a single, unified whole, where the original parts lose their individual identity in the new structure.
It is commonly used in business for company combinations, in traffic for lanes joining, and in technology for combining files, data, or code branches.
Grammatically, it can be used transitively (merging things) or intransitively (things merging), often followed by the prepositions 'with', 'into', or the conjunction 'and'.
The word implies a permanent and deep integration, distinguishing it from 'join' (simple connection) or 'mix' (blending of substances without a fixed structure).

The verb merge is a fundamental concept in the English language that describes the act of bringing two or more separate entities together to create a single, unified whole. At its core, merging is about the loss of individual boundaries in favor of a new, collective identity. When you merge things, they don't just sit next to each other; they integrate, interweave, and become indistinguishable from one another within the new structure. This word is incredibly versatile, finding its way into discussions about physical objects, abstract concepts, corporate structures, and even daily activities like driving or cooking. Understanding 'merge' requires recognizing that the result is always a singular unit that carries characteristics of its predecessors but functions as a new entity entirely.

Physical Integration: In the physical world, merging often refers to the coming together of paths or flows. Think of two streams of water meeting at a confluence to form a larger river. The individual drops of water from each stream are no longer identifiable as belonging to one or the other; they have merged into the river's flow. Similarly, in urban planning and transportation, merging is a critical concept for traffic safety. It describes the process where two separate lanes of traffic become one, requiring drivers to coordinate their speed and position to enter the flow smoothly without causing a collision.

The two small companies decided to merge to better compete with larger international corporations.

Corporate and Professional Context: In the business world, a 'merger' (the noun form) or the act of 'merging' is a strategic move where two independent firms agree to move forward as a single new company rather than remain separately owned and operated. This is often done to achieve 'synergy,' where the combined value and performance of the two companies are greater than the sum of the separate parts. When companies merge, they often combine their assets, staff, and branding, which can lead to significant changes in corporate culture and operational procedures. It is a high-stakes process that involves legal, financial, and human resource integration.

As the sun began to set, the orange and purple hues started to merge across the evening sky.

Abstract and Artistic Usage: Beyond the physical and corporate, 'merge' is used to describe the blending of ideas, feelings, or artistic styles. An author might merge two different genres, like science fiction and noir, to create a unique reading experience. In music, a composer might merge traditional folk melodies with modern electronic beats. In these cases, 'merge' implies a creative synthesis where the boundaries between the different elements become blurred, creating a new aesthetic or intellectual entity that feels cohesive and intentional.

The software allows you to merge multiple PDF documents into a single file for easier distribution.

The twilight causes the shadows of the trees to merge into one dark mass against the horizon.

In summary, 'merge' is a powerful verb that signifies unity and the creation of something new from existing parts. Whether you are talking about business, traffic, art, or technology, the core meaning remains the same: the transition from 'many' to 'one'. It is a word that suggests harmony, efficiency, and the natural progression of things coming together to form a more significant or more functional whole. By mastering this word, you gain a precise tool for describing complex processes of integration and unification across many different fields of human endeavor.

Using the word merge correctly involves understanding its grammatical patterns and the specific contexts in which it thrives. It can function as both a transitive verb (taking a direct object) and an intransitive verb (not taking a direct object). This flexibility allows it to describe both the action of an external force bringing things together and the natural process of things coming together on their own. The nuances of its usage often depend on the prepositions that follow it, such as 'with', 'into', or 'and'.

Transitive Usage (Action on Objects): When used transitively, 'merge' requires an agent—someone or something that is doing the merging. For example, 'The editor decided to merge the two chapters into one.' Here, the editor is the agent, and the chapters are the objects being merged. This structure is common in technical and administrative contexts. You might merge cells in a spreadsheet, merge layers in a photo editing program, or merge two departments in a university. The focus is on the intentional act of combination performed by a controller.

Please merge these two customer databases to eliminate duplicate entries.

Intransitive Usage (Natural Process): When used intransitively, 'merge' describes a process that seems to happen naturally or as a result of the subjects' own movement. For example, 'The two lanes merge ahead.' In this case, there is no external agent forcing the lanes together; it is a description of the road's layout. This usage is frequent in descriptions of nature, traffic, and social trends. 'As the party continued, the different groups of guests began to merge.' This implies a spontaneous and fluid coming together of people without a central organizer.

The small village will eventually merge into the growing city nearby.

Using Prepositions Effectively: The choice of preposition can change the meaning slightly. 'Merge with' suggests a partnership or a meeting of equals: 'The bank merged with its rival.' 'Merge into' suggests absorption or a change of state: 'The rain merged into snow.' 'Merge and' is used when listing the items being combined: 'The chef will merge the butter and the flour to create a roux.' Understanding these subtle differences helps in conveying the exact nature of the combination you are describing.

The colors on the canvas merge beautifully to create a sense of depth and movement.

The two political parties decided to merge their platforms for the upcoming election.

By paying attention to whether the action is being done to something or happening by itself, and by choosing the right prepositions, you can use 'merge' to describe everything from the most technical computer processes to the most poetic natural phenomena. It is a word that provides clarity and sophistication to your descriptions of unity and change.

The word merge is ubiquitous in modern life, appearing in diverse environments from the boardroom to the highway. Its frequency in daily conversation and professional discourse makes it an essential part of a B1-level vocabulary. You will encounter it in news reports, technical manuals, everyday navigation, and even in the kitchen. Recognizing the specific domains where 'merge' is used will help you understand its connotations and use it more naturally in your own speech and writing.

On the Road and in Navigation: One of the most common places to hear 'merge' is while driving. GPS navigation systems frequently use the word to give instructions: 'Merge left onto I-95.' Road signs also use it to warn drivers: 'Merge Ahead' or 'Lane Ends, Merge Left.' In this context, it is a high-frequency word that everyone must understand for safety. It describes the physical action of moving your vehicle from one lane into another where the two lanes become one. Failure to 'merge' correctly is a common cause of traffic delays and accidents.

The GPS told me to merge onto the highway, but the traffic was moving too fast.

In Business and Financial News: If you listen to financial news or read business journals, 'merge' is a keyword. It is used to describe the consolidation of companies. Headlines like 'Tech Giants Merge to Dominate the Market' or 'Local Banks Merge to Reduce Costs' are common. In this setting, 'merge' carries a sense of power, strategy, and significant change. It often implies a long process of negotiation and legal work. Employees in these companies will hear the word frequently during town hall meetings and internal communications as they navigate the transition to a single corporate entity.

The news reported that the two airline companies are planning to merge by the end of the year.

In Computing and Digital Workflows: For anyone working with computers, 'merge' is a technical term. Software developers 'merge' code branches to integrate new features into a main project. Office workers 'merge' documents or use 'mail merge' to create personalized letters from a database. Graphic designers 'merge' layers in Photoshop to simplify their files. In these contexts, 'merge' is a functional command that results in a more organized and unified digital product. It is a word associated with efficiency and the finalization of a task.

I need to merge my changes with the latest version of the project on GitHub.

The two families decided to merge their holiday traditions into a new celebration.

Whether you are navigating a busy intersection, following the latest economic trends, or working on a digital project, 'merge' is a word that describes the essential process of unification. Its presence across these varied fields highlights its importance as a tool for describing how the world around us becomes more integrated and complex.

While merge is a relatively straightforward word, learners often confuse it with similar verbs like 'join', 'mix', 'blend', or 'combine'. Understanding the specific nuances of 'merge'—particularly the idea of creating a single, unified entity where individual parts lose their distinct identity—is key to avoiding these common pitfalls. Misusing 'merge' can lead to confusion about the nature of the combination you are describing.

Merge vs. Join: The most common mistake is using 'join' when 'merge' is more appropriate. 'Join' often implies that two things are connected but still maintain their separate identities. For example, if you join two pieces of wood with a nail, they are connected, but you can still see where one ends and the other begins. 'Merge', however, implies a deeper integration. If you merge two companies, they become one new company. If you merge two lanes of traffic, they become one lane. Use 'merge' when the result is a single, unified whole, and 'join' when the focus is on the connection itself.

Incorrect: I will join these two files into one document. (Better: merge)

Merge vs. Mix/Blend: Another frequent error is using 'merge' when 'mix' or 'blend' is more accurate, especially in cooking or physical mixtures. 'Mix' and 'blend' are typically used for substances like liquids or powders. While you can 'merge' colors on a canvas, you usually 'mix' ingredients in a bowl. 'Merge' is rarely used for physical substances that don't have a structured form. You wouldn't 'merge' sugar into your coffee; you would 'mix' or 'stir' it in. 'Merge' is better suited for structured entities like lanes, companies, files, or ideas.

Incorrect: Please merge the flour and water. (Better: mix)

Preposition Errors: Learners sometimes struggle with the prepositions that follow 'merge'. A common mistake is using 'to' instead of 'with' or 'into'. While you might say 'connect A to B', you should say 'merge A with B' or 'merge A into B'. 'Merge to' is generally incorrect unless it's part of an infinitive phrase like 'They decided to merge to save money.' Always check the preposition to ensure your sentence sounds natural to native speakers.

Incorrect: The small stream merges to the river. (Better: merges into)

Incorrect: The big company merged the small startup. (Better: acquired, or 'merged with')

By being mindful of these distinctions—identity vs. connection, structure vs. substance, and the correct use of prepositions—you can use 'merge' with confidence and precision. It is a word that, when used correctly, adds a layer of professional and descriptive clarity to your English.

To truly master the word merge, it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and alternatives. While many words describe the act of bringing things together, each has its own specific 'flavor' and context. Choosing the right word can make your writing more precise and your speech more natural. Here, we compare 'merge' with other common verbs of combination.

Merge vs. Combine: 'Combine' is a very broad term that can be used in almost any situation where two or more things are put together. It is less specific than 'merge'. You can combine ingredients, combine efforts, or combine ideas. 'Merge' is more specific; it implies that the things being combined are becoming a single, unified entity where the original boundaries disappear. Use 'combine' for general purposes and 'merge' when you want to emphasize the creation of a new, singular whole.

Merge vs. Amalgamate: 'Amalgamate' is a more formal and academic synonym for 'merge'. It is often used in business, sociology, or chemistry. While 'merge' is common in everyday speech (like merging lanes), 'amalgamate' is almost never used in casual conversation. It suggests a more complex or structured process of combination. For example, 'The various local councils were amalgamated into a single regional authority.' Use 'amalgamate' in formal reports or academic writing to sound more professional.

The two schools will amalgamate next year to form a larger educational complex.

Merge vs. Fuse: 'Fuse' implies a very strong, often permanent combination, frequently involving heat, pressure, or a physical change. In science, atoms fuse; in cooking, flavors might fuse after long simmering. Metaphorically, 'fuse' suggests an intense and inseparable union. 'Merge' is more fluid and can describe less intense combinations, like lanes of traffic or business departments. Use 'fuse' when you want to emphasize the strength or permanence of the union.

Merge vs. Coalesce: 'Coalesce' is a sophisticated word that describes things coming together to form a mass or a whole, often gradually or naturally. It is frequently used for abstract things like opinions, groups, or clouds. For example, 'Public opinion began to coalesce around the new proposal.' While 'merge' can also be used for abstract things, 'coalesce' has a more poetic or academic feel, suggesting a slow and organic process of coming together.

The different factions of the movement finally coalesced into a unified political party.

By understanding these alternatives, you can choose the word that best fits the tone and precision of your message. Whether you need the everyday utility of 'merge', the formality of 'amalgamate', or the intensity of 'fuse', having a range of synonyms at your disposal will greatly enhance your English communication skills.

How Formal Is It?

격식체

"The board of directors has formally approved the proposal to merge the two subsidiary organizations into a single corporate entity."

중립

"The two small paths merge into a wider trail about a mile ahead."

비격식체

"We should just merge our two groups for the party so everyone can meet each other."

Child friendly

"Look! The two little puddles are merging to make one big puddle for us to splash in!"

속어

"Our squads are gonna merge for the concert tonight, it's gonna be huge."

재미있는 사실

The words 'submerge' (to go under water) and 'emerge' (to come out of water) share the same Latin root as 'merge'. They all relate to the idea of moving into or out of a larger mass, like water.

발음 가이드

UK /mɜːdʒ/

US /mɜːrdʒ/

The word 'merge' is a single syllable, so the stress is on the entire word.

라임이 맞는 단어

surge urge purge dirge verge scourge splurge emerge

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing the 'g' as a hard 'g' (like in 'game'). It should always be a soft 'j' sound.
Confusing the 'ur' sound with 'ar' (marge) or 'or' (morge).
Not sounding the 'r' in American English, which can make it sound like the British pronunciation.
Adding an extra syllable at the end (mer-gee).
Pronouncing it like 'mirth' but with a 'j' sound at the end.

난이도

독해 3/5

The word is common in news and technical texts, making it essential for intermediate readers.

쓰기 4/5

Using the correct prepositions (with, into) and choosing between transitive and intransitive forms requires some practice.

말하기 3/5

The pronunciation is straightforward, and it's a very useful word for describing traffic and work tasks.

듣기 3/5

It is frequently heard in GPS instructions and news broadcasts, so it's important to recognize it quickly.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

join combine mix together one

다음에 배울 것

integrate amalgamate synergy acquisition coalesce

고급

ontological synthesis confluence unification homogenize

알아야 할 문법

Transitive vs. Intransitive

Transitive: 'He merged the files.' Intransitive: 'The lanes merge.'

Prepositional Phrases

Use 'with' for equal partners: 'A merged with B.' Use 'into' for absorption: 'A merged into B.'

Gerunds as Subjects

'Merging the two departments took several months.'

Passive Voice

'The two small firms were merged by the parent company.'

Infinitive of Purpose

'They merged to increase their market share.'

수준별 예문

The blue and yellow paints merge to make green.

Blue and yellow become green.

Present simple tense.

The two small paths merge into one big path.

Two paths become one.

Use of 'into' to show the result.

The two lines of children merge to go inside.

The children make one line.

Infinitive of purpose 'to go'.

The two puddles merge after the rain.

The water joins together.

Intransitive use.

I merge my two toy sets to play.

I put my toys together.

Transitive use with a direct object.

The two rivers merge near the mountain.

The rivers join.

Subject-verb agreement.

The two groups merge to sing a song.

They sing together.

Collective noun 'groups'.

The colors merge in the sunset.

The sky colors mix.

Prepositional phrase 'in the sunset'.

You must merge carefully when you enter the highway.

Join the traffic safely.

Adverb 'carefully' modifies the verb.

The two small companies will merge next month.

They will become one company.

Future tense with 'will'.

I need to merge these two lists into one document.

Make one list from two.

Modal verb 'need to'.

The two villages merged to form a small town.

They became a town.

Past simple tense.

The two streams merge with the main river here.

They join the river.

Preposition 'with'.

The two classes will merge for the field trip.

They will go together.

Prepositional phrase 'for the field trip'.

The shadows merge as the sun goes down.

The shadows become one.

Conjunction 'as' showing time.

Can you merge these two cells in the table?

Make one cell from two.

Interrogative sentence with 'can'.

The two banks decided to merge to improve their services.

They joined to be better.

Infinitive of purpose.

Different cultures often merge in large international cities.

Cultures blend together.

Adverb of frequency 'often'.

The software allows you to merge multiple PDF files easily.

Combine many files into one.

Transitive use with 'multiple'.

The two political parties merged their platforms for the election.

They combined their ideas.

Possessive adjective 'their'.

The small company was merged into the larger corporation.

It was absorbed.

Passive voice 'was merged'.

The two lanes merge into one after the bridge.

The road becomes narrower.

Prepositional phrase 'after the bridge'.

His personal life and work life began to merge.

They became hard to separate.

Compound subject 'personal life and work life'.

The two flavors merge to create a unique taste.

They make a new flavor.

Resultative infinitive 'to create'.

The merger will allow the two companies to achieve significant synergies.

The joining will help them work better.

Use of the noun form 'merger'.

The artist merges traditional techniques with modern technology.

The artist uses old and new ways.

Present simple for habitual action.

The two data sets were merged to provide a more comprehensive analysis.

The data was combined for better results.

Passive voice for formal reporting.

As the storm approached, the dark clouds merged into a solid wall of gray.

The clouds became one big mass.

Descriptive language with 'solid wall of gray'.

The two departments will merge to streamline the production process.

They will join to work faster.

Infinitive of purpose 'to streamline'.

The novel merges elements of mystery and science fiction.

The book is both mystery and sci-fi.

Transitive use with 'elements of'.

The traffic was heavy where the two major highways merge.

The place where roads join was busy.

Relative clause 'where the two major highways merge'.

The two families merged their traditions to create a new holiday celebration.

They made a new tradition together.

Past simple for a completed action.

The company's strategic decision to merge with its rival was met with skepticism by investors.

Investors were unsure about the joining.

Complex sentence with a passive main clause.

In his latest essay, the philosopher merges existentialism with modern social theory.

He combines two deep ideas.

Academic register.

The two linguistic groups eventually merged, creating a unique creole language.

They became one group with a new language.

Participial phrase 'creating a unique creole language'.

The boundaries between reality and fantasy often merge in her surrealist paintings.

Real and fake things look the same.

Abstract subject 'boundaries'.

The proposed legislation aims to merge several government agencies into a single department.

The law wants to join many offices.

Formal administrative language.

The two musical genres merge seamlessly in this innovative new album.

The music styles join perfectly.

Adverb 'seamlessly' emphasizes the quality of the merge.

The merging of these two technologies could revolutionize the healthcare industry.

The joining of tech will change medicine.

Gerund 'merging' as the subject.

As the city expanded, the surrounding suburbs were gradually merged into the metropolitan area.

The small areas became part of the big city.

Passive voice with an adverb of manner 'gradually'.

The theoretical framework merges disparate concepts into a cohesive ontological argument.

The theory joins different ideas into one big point.

Highly formal academic vocabulary.

The event horizon is where the laws of physics as we know them merge into the unknown.

Physics becomes mystery at the edge of a black hole.

Metaphorical and scientific usage.

In the final act, the protagonist's identity merges with the collective consciousness of the group.

The person becomes one with everyone else.

Literary and philosophical context.

The architectural design merges the brutalist aesthetic with organic, sustainable materials.

The building joins hard and soft styles.

Precise artistic description.

The geopolitical landscape was irrevocably altered when the two sovereign states merged.

The world changed when the countries joined.

Formal political analysis.

The poet's use of metaphor allows the internal and external worlds to merge in the reader's mind.

Inside and outside feelings become one.

Causative structure 'allows... to merge'.

The merger of the two corporate cultures proved to be more challenging than the financial integration.

Joining the people was harder than joining the money.

Comparative structure 'more challenging than'.

As the symphony reached its climax, the individual instruments merged into a singular, powerful wall of sound.

All the music became one big noise.

Evocative descriptive language.

자주 쓰는 조합

merge companies

merge lanes

merge files

merge cells

merge cultures

merge ideas

merge into traffic

merge with a rival

seamlessly merge

merge branches

자주 쓰는 구문

merge ahead

mail merge

mergers and acquisitions

merge into one

merge with the crowd

merge into the background

merge interests

merge data

merge paths

merge layers

자주 혼동되는 단어

merge vs join

'Join' is for simple connection; 'merge' is for becoming one unified whole.

merge vs mix

'Mix' is for substances like food or liquids; 'merge' is for structured entities like lanes or companies.

merge vs blend

'Blend' implies a smooth, aesthetic combination; 'merge' is more functional and structural.

관용어 및 표현

"merge into the woodwork"

To become so quiet or inconspicuous that people forget you are there. Similar to 'blend into the background'.

He was so shy that he seemed to merge into the woodwork at parties.

informal

"a meeting of minds"

While not using the word 'merge', this idiom describes the result of two people's thoughts merging into a single agreement. It is a deep intellectual connection.

The contract was finally signed after a true meeting of minds between the two CEOs.

neutral

"melt into one"

To combine so perfectly and smoothly that the individual parts are completely lost. It suggests a very harmonious merge.

The two voices melted into one beautiful harmony.

literary

"cross-pollination"

A metaphorical way to describe the merging of ideas from different fields to create something new. It implies growth and innovation.

The conference encouraged the cross-pollination of ideas between scientists and artists.

professional

"blur the lines"

To make the boundaries between two things less clear, which is often a step toward merging them. It implies a loss of distinction.

Modern technology is blurring the lines between work and home life.

neutral

"cast in the same mold"

Describes things that are so similar they could have been merged or created from the same source. It implies a deep similarity.

The two brothers were cast in the same mold; they both loved sports and music.

neutral

"in the same boat"

Describes people who are in the same situation, often leading them to merge their efforts or interests. It implies a shared fate.

We are all in the same boat, so we need to work together to solve this problem.

informal

"join forces"

To combine efforts or resources for a specific goal. This is a very common way to describe a temporary or permanent merge of power.

The two charities joined forces to raise money for the disaster relief fund.

neutral

"throw in one's lot with"

To decide to merge your future or interests with someone else's, often taking a risk. It implies a committed union.

She decided to throw in her lot with the new startup, hoping it would be successful.

informal

"hand in glove"

To work very closely together, as if two things have merged into a single functioning unit. It implies a perfect fit.

The two departments worked hand in glove to complete the project on time.

neutral

혼동하기 쉬운

merge vs amalgamate

Both mean to combine.

'Amalgamate' is much more formal and usually used for organizations or large groups. 'Merge' is used in everyday life, like traffic.

The local councils were amalgamated. The two lanes merged.

merge vs coalesce

Both describe things coming together.

'Coalesce' often implies a natural, gradual, or organic process, while 'merge' can be an intentional, structured action.

Opinions coalesced around the leader. The companies merged.

merge vs fuse

Both mean to join permanently.

'Fuse' often involves physical heat or pressure, or describes a very intense metaphorical union. 'Merge' is more common for systems and structures.

The wires fused together. The two files merged.

merge vs integrate

Both involve combining things.

'Integrate' focuses on making something a part of a larger system while maintaining harmony. 'Merge' focuses on the two things becoming one.

The new student integrated well. The two classes merged.

merge vs unite

Both mean to bring together.

'Unite' is often used for people joining for a cause. 'Merge' is used for the structural combination of entities.

The country united in grief. The two banks merged.

문장 패턴

Subject + merge + into + Object

The path merges into the road.

Subject + merge + with + Object

Our company merged with theirs.

Subject + merge + A + and + B

I merged the two lists.

Subject + be + merged + into + Object

The small office was merged into the headquarters.

Gerund + Subject + Verb

Merging the files was easy.

Noun (Merger) + of + A + and + B

The merger of the two banks was successful.

Subject + merge + seamlessly + with + Object

The music merges seamlessly with the video.

Abstract Subject + merge + into + Abstract Object

Reality merges into a dreamlike state.

어휘 가족

명사

동사

형용사

사용법

frequency

Very high in business, traffic, and technology contexts.

자주 하는 실수

Using 'merge to' instead of 'merge into'. → The small road merges into the highway.
In English, we merge 'into' a larger flow or 'with' another entity. 'To' is not the standard preposition for this verb.
Using 'merge' for simple mixtures like food. → Mix the flour and sugar together.
'Merge' is usually for structured entities like lanes, companies, or files. For substances that don't have a fixed shape, 'mix' or 'blend' is better.
Pronouncing the 'g' as a hard sound (like 'gate'). → Pronounce it like 'mer-j'.
The 'g' in 'merge' is a soft 'g', which sounds like a 'j'. A hard 'g' will make the word unrecognizable to native speakers.
Confusing 'merge' with 'join' in business. → The two companies merged to form a new corporation.
While 'join' is okay, 'merge' is the specific professional term for two companies becoming one. It sounds much more natural in a business context.
Using 'merge' when you mean 'add'. → I added your name to the list.
'Merge' implies two things becoming one unified whole. If you are just putting one small thing into a larger thing without changing the structure, 'add' is often better.

팁

Watch your prepositions

Remember to use 'with' or 'into' after 'merge'. 'Merge to' is usually a mistake. For example, say 'The lane merges into the highway,' not 'merges to the highway'.

Merge vs. Join

Use 'merge' when the two things become one new thing. Use 'join' when they are just connected but still separate. A merger of companies creates one company; joining a club means you are now a member but the club and you are still distinct.

The Zipper Merge

In many countries, the 'zipper merge' is the law or the expected social behavior. When a lane ends, wait until the end and then take turns with the cars in the other lane. It's the most efficient way to merge.

Mergers and Acquisitions

If you work in business, learn the phrase 'M&A'. It stands for 'Mergers and Acquisitions' and is a very common term for the department that handles companies joining together or buying each other.

Merging Files

When you merge files, you are creating one single file from several others. This is common with PDFs, spreadsheets, and code. It's a great way to stay organized.

Sound more professional

Using 'merge' instead of 'put together' or 'mix' can make your writing sound more sophisticated and precise, especially in a work or academic context.

GPS Instructions

When your GPS says 'merge', it's a signal to pay close attention to the traffic around you. It's one of the most important words to know for safe driving in English-speaking countries.

Merging Styles

You can use 'merge' to describe how an artist combines different styles, like 'He merges classical music with jazz'. It's a very evocative way to describe creative work.

Merging Friend Groups

Merging friend groups can be tricky! Use the word 'merge' to describe the process of introducing different groups of friends to each other so they can all be one big group.

The Soft G

Always pronounce the 'g' in 'merge' like a 'j'. It should sound like 'mer-j'. This is a common mistake for learners, so practicing it will help you sound more natural.

암기하기

기억법

Think of the word 'ME' and 'RE' joining to make 'MERGE'. Imagine two people, 'Me' and 'Reggie', walking together until they become one person. Or, think of 'M' for 'Many' becoming 'E' for 'Entirely' one.

시각적 연상

Imagine two lanes of a road coming together to form one. Visualize a large 'Y' shape where the two top lines meet and continue as a single line at the bottom. This is the classic 'merge' sign you see on highways.

Word Web

traffic business combine unity highway files company lanes

챌린지

Try to use the word 'merge' three times today: once when talking about traffic, once when talking about your work or studies, and once when describing something in nature or art.

어원

The word 'merge' comes from the Latin verb 'mergere', which means 'to dip, sink, or plunge'. In its original Latin sense, it described the action of something being swallowed up by a liquid. This idea of being absorbed into something else eventually evolved into the modern meaning of two things combining to form a single entity.

원래 의미: To dip or sink into water.

Indo-European > Italic > Latin

문화적 맥락

In business, 'merge' can be a sensitive word for employees, as it often leads to 'redundancies' or job losses when two departments are combined.

Merging is a key part of the 'corporate ladder' narrative, where small companies are merged into larger ones as they become successful.

The 'Zipper Merge' is a frequently discussed topic in driving safety campaigns in the US and Canada. The merger of AOL and Time Warner in 2000 is often cited as one of the most famous (and least successful) business mergers in history. In the movie 'The Fly', a scientist's DNA merges with that of a fly, a classic and horrific example of the word's meaning.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Driving and Traffic

merge left
merge right
zipper merge
merge into traffic

Business and Finance

corporate merger
merge with a competitor
mergers and acquisitions
merge departments

Computing and Technology

merge cells
merge files
merge branches
mail merge

Nature and Science

rivers merge
clouds merge
cells merge
galaxies merge

Art and Design

merge colors
merge layers
merge styles
merge perspectives

대화 시작하기

"Have you ever found it difficult to merge into heavy traffic on the highway?"

"What do you think are the biggest challenges when two large companies decide to merge?"

"If you could merge two different hobbies into one new activity, what would they be?"

"Do you think it's better for different cultures to merge or to stay separate and distinct?"

"Have you ever had to merge two different friend groups? How did it go?"

일기 주제

Describe a time when you had to merge your ideas with someone else's to complete a project. What were the challenges and the benefits?

Write about a place where you see things merge in nature, like two rivers or the colors of a sunset. How does it make you feel?

If you were the CEO of a company, what kind of business would you want to merge with and why?

Reflect on how your personal and professional lives merge. Is it a good thing or do you prefer to keep them separate?

Imagine a future where two countries merge into one. What would the new country be like?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Yes, but usually metaphorically. You can say 'the two groups merged' or 'the crowds merged'. It's less common to say 'two people merged' unless you are talking about their lives or interests joining together in a very deep way.

No, it's used in many contexts. You'll hear it most often in traffic (merging lanes), technology (merging files), and nature (rivers merging). It's a very versatile word.

'Merge with' usually implies two equals joining together (Company A merged with Company B). 'Merge into' often implies a smaller thing being absorbed by a larger thing (The small lane merges into the highway).

'Merge' is the verb (the action), and 'merger' is the noun (the event). For example, 'The two companies decided to merge' (verb) and 'The merger was announced yesterday' (noun).

Yes, 'merge' is often used in art to describe colors blending into each other, especially in a way that the boundary between them disappears.

It's a computer term. It means taking a list of names and addresses and 'merging' them into a standard letter so that each person gets a personalized copy.

It's neutral. It's used in formal business reports, but it's also used in everyday driving and casual conversation about combining things.

It's a way of merging in traffic where cars from two lanes take turns moving into a single lane, like the teeth of a zipper coming together. It's considered very efficient.

Yes, you can merge any number of things into one. 'The three departments merged to form a new division.'

Usually, yes. The word implies that the original separate things no longer exist in their old form. If it's temporary, words like 'join' or 'combine' might be better.