mix

"Mix" is a very common and useful English word. It works as both a verb and a noun, and it has several related but distinct meanings you will encounter all the time — in cooking, music, social situations, and everyday life.

1verbcombining things together

When you put two or more things together and stir, shake, or blend them so they become one combined substance or group, you are mixing them. Think of stirring milk and coffee together — that is mixing.

everyday language, cooking · Modern, widely used

Mix the flour, eggs, and butter together in a large bowl.

She mixed red and blue paint to make purple.

The chef mixed all the ingredients before putting the dish in the oven.

2verbfigurativesocialising with people

When you talk, spend time, and feel comfortable with different kinds of people, you are mixing with them. It is about being social and connecting with others.

everyday language, social situations · Modern, widely used · figurative

He finds it hard to mix with people he has never met before.

At the party, she mixed easily with both the older and younger guests.

The new student was shy and did not mix much with his classmates at first.

3verbcombining audio tracks

In music and film production, to mix means to adjust and combine different sounds or recordings into one final version. A sound engineer does this in a studio.

music, film, audio production · Modern, widely used

The producer spent two days mixing the album.

They mixed the vocals and instruments to create a balanced sound.

The film's audio was mixed by a team of professional sound engineers.

4nouna combination of things

A mix is the result of combining different things — it is the combined group or substance itself. You can use it to describe anything that contains a variety of different elements.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

The city is a fascinating mix of old and modern architecture.

The playlist was a great mix of jazz, pop, and classical music.

There was a mix of emotions on her face — happiness and sadness at the same time.

5nouna pre-prepared blend of ingredients

A mix can also be a product you buy that already has dry ingredients combined, so you just add water, eggs, or milk to make something. You will see this word on food packaging.

cooking, food industry · Modern, widely used

She bought a cake mix from the supermarket.

Just add water to the pancake mix and stir well.

The bread mix comes in a box with simple instructions.