Definition of and

Short definition: The word and is used to join ideas, actions, or things together, helping sentences flow naturally by adding information, continuing thoughts, or showing that elements belong in the same group or sequence.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word and? The word and is one of the most common words in English and is used to connect ideas, words, phrases, or sentences. It helps show addition, continuation, or relationship between things. You will see it everywhere, from simple lists to complex explanations. Even though it looks small and simple, it plays a very important role in making sentences clear and natural. Below, each meaning is explained in a calm and natural way, with enough detail to feel clear, human, and practical.

Forms: and
Related: or conj., but conj., also adv.
Syllable: and

1. (Conjunction) Used to join words phrases or sentences that are added together.

   And is used to connect ideas or elements that belong together, showing addition or continuation, and it helps the speaker or writer include more than one thing without breaking the flow of the sentence or thought.

   She bought bread and fruit and milk because she wanted to prepare a simple dinner at home.
   He finished his work and left the office early to spend time with his family.
   The plan sounds good and realistic if everyone cooperates and communicates clearly.

   Synonyms: also, plus, as well as, together with, along with, in addition to, added to, joined with, combined with, and also, furthermore, additionally
   Antonyms: or, but, nor, instead of, rather than, except, excluding, alternatively, otherwise, separately, apart from, minus

2. (Conjunction) Used to show sequence or result where one action follows another.

   And can be used to show that one action happens after another or that one situation leads naturally to the next, making events feel connected in time or logic.

   He slipped on the stairs and fell, hurting his leg in the process.
   She studied consistently and passed the exam with confidence.
   The alarm rang and everyone quickly left the building.

   Synonyms: then, so, and then, leading to, resulting in, followed by, causing, which led to, next, consequently, afterward, as a result
   Antonyms: before, earlier, previously, separately, independently, unrelated to, without result, no connection, disconnected from, not followed by, isolated, apart

3. (Conjunction) Used to emphasize contrast surprise or emotion in informal speech.

   In informal use, and can introduce a surprising result, strong emotion, or unexpected outcome, adding emphasis rather than simple addition.

   I told him not to touch it and he did it anyway.
   She practiced for weeks and still felt nervous on stage.
   He promised to help and then disappeared when it mattered.

   Synonyms: yet, still, but then, and yet, surprisingly, even so, nonetheless, anyway, despite that, in spite of that, unexpectedly, however
   Antonyms: therefore, so, as expected, predictably, logically, without surprise, in line with, naturally, accordingly, as planned, straightforwardly, normally