English vocabulary · B2
Concoct
/kənˈkɑkt/ · v.
It means to create something by mixing parts together — a drink, a plan, or a story. It often suggests the result is clever or not completely true.
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Example sentences
- She concocted a sauce from whatever was left in the fridge.
- He concocted an excuse so elaborate that no one believed it.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- con — together (from Latin)
- coct — cook (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- DEVISE — create a plan or method (Plans & Strategies)
- FABRICATE — make something up; invent falsely (False & Made-Up)
- INVENT — create something new (New & Original)
Words with the same root
coct — cook
- cook — to prepare food using heat
- decoct — to extract by boiling down
- concoction — something made by mixing different things
Lesson notes
Concoct. It means to create something by mixing parts together — a drink, a plan, or a story. It often suggests the result is clever or not completely true.
Similar words are devise, fabricate, and invent. Use concoct when someone mixes different elements to make something new, especially a plan or excuse.
She concocted a sauce from whatever was left in the fridge. He concocted an excuse so elaborate that no one believed it.
From Latin. Con- means together. Coct- means cook. Cook everything together into one thing — that is to concoct.