mindmap root((连接)) join implies a bringing into some degree of contact or conjunction of clearly discrete things: ~ed forces in an effort to win. combine implies a merging or mingling that obscures the identity of each unit: ~ the ingredients for a cake. unite stresses the bond by which two or more individual entities are joined and implies somewhat greater loss of separate identity: the colonies ~d to form a republic. connect suggests a loose or external attachment with little or no loss of identity: a bridge ~s the island to the mainland. link may imply strong attachment or inseparability of elements: a name forever ~ed with liberty. associate stresses the mere fact of occurrence or existence together in space or in logical sequence: opera is popularly ~d with high society. relate suggests the existence of a real or presumed natural or logical connection: the two events were not ~d.