Connectedness vs. Connection — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 2, 2024
Connectedness refers to the state or quality of being connected or interrelated, often emphasizing a broad sense of belonging; connection usually denotes a specific link or relationship between people, places, or objects.
Difference Between Connectedness and Connection
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Connectedness generally describes the state or quality of being connected or interrelated within a broader context, such as a community, network, or system. It implies a sense of belonging or integration into a larger whole. Whereas, connection often refers to a specific link or relationship between two or more entities, such as individuals, groups, devices, or locations. This term is used to describe direct interactions or ties that can be physical, emotional, or digital.
In terms of social dynamics, connectedness can describe an individual’s feeling of being part of a community or society, reflecting a psychological or emotional state. It encompasses feelings of engagement and integration. On the other hand, a connection might be a specific friendship, partnership, or communication line that directly links one person to another or one thing to another, emphasizing the quality or state of being connected.
From a technological standpoint, connectedness can be used to discuss the extent to which different systems or devices are interrelated or operate as part of a cohesive network. It focuses on system-wide integration and functionality. In contrast, a connection might refer to a specific link within that network, such as a Wi-Fi connection or a data link between two devices, detailing the operational aspect of one component in relation to another.
In psychological or organizational contexts, connectedness can be a measure of how well individuals or departments perceive their integration into the larger group or organization, affecting morale and productivity. Conversely, connection in these contexts might refer to specific interpersonal relationships or communications that facilitate collaboration and interaction within the organization.
The concept of connectedness also plays a role in ecology and environmental science, referring to the way different ecosystems or habitats are interconnected and depend on each other for balance and health. In contrast, connection in ecology might focus on specific interactions or relationships, like the pollination of plants by bees, which are critical for ecosystem functioning.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
State of being connected, interrelated
Specific link or relationship
Focus
Broad, systemic integration
Direct, individual links
Used in
Community engagement, networks
Interpersonal relationships, technological links
Psychological Impact
Sense of belonging, integration
Quality of individual ties, direct interactions
Example in Technology
Overall network of smart home devices
Specific Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection
Compare with Definitions
Connectedness
In networks, a measure of how components are interrelated.
Increasing the connectedness of the software platforms improved workflow efficiency.
Connection
The act of connecting or the state of being connected.
His expertise ensures the successful connection of the new system.
Connectedness
A feeling of belonging to or being a part of something larger than oneself.
Her connectedness to the club grew as she participated in more activities.
Connection
In technology, a means of linking and transferring information between systems or devices.
The technician established a secure connection for the data transfer.
Connectedness
In ecology, the integration and interdependence of habitats and species.
The connectedness of wetlands to nearby rivers supports diverse wildlife populations.
Connection
A link or bond between people, groups, or objects.
The connection between the two friends was strengthened over the years.
Connectedness
Psychological and social belonging within a group.
Students’ sense of connectedness at school is crucial for their emotional development.
Connection
A specific point at which two or more things are connected.
The bridge serves as a connection between the two cities.
Connectedness
The quality or state of being connected or interrelated.
The connectedness of their community helped everyone feel supported.
Connection
Emotional or relational linkage between individuals.
Their strong emotional connection made them ideal business partners.
Connectedness
In mathematics, connectedness is used to refer to various properties meaning, in some sense, "all one piece". When a mathematical object has such a property, we say it is connected; otherwise it is disconnected.
Connection
The act of connecting.
Connectedness
Joined or fastened together.
Connection
The state of being connected.
Connectedness
Not decomposable into two disjoint nonempty open sets.
Connection
One that connects; a link
Made a connection between the two pipes.
Connectedness
Having a continuous path between any two points. Used of a curve, set, or surface.
Connection
An association or relationship
An obvious connection between the two crimes.
Connectedness
Related by family.
Connection
The logical or intelligible ordering of words or ideas; coherence.
Connectedness
Logically or intelligibly ordered or presented; coherent
A stroke that left him incapable of connected speech.
Connection
Reference or relation to something else; context
In this connection, the agreement can be seen as a step toward peace.
Connectedness
Associated with or related to others, especially to influential or important people
A photographer who was well connected in the fashion world.
Connection
A person, especially one of influence or importance, with whom one is associated, as by kinship or common interests
Used her connections to land a job.
Connectedness
The state or quality of being connected.
Connection
A conveyance or scheduled run providing continuing service between means of transportation
Missed my connection in Miami.
Connectedness
The state of being connected.
Connection
A physical link, such as by wire or fiber-optic cable, between two or more points in a telecommunications system
Established a connection to the internet.
Connectedness
A relation between things or events (as in the case of one causing the other or sharing features with it).
Connection
A means or channel of communication
Couldn't hear due to the bad phone connection.
Connectedness
The state of being connected;
The connection between church and state is inescapable
Connection
A drug dealer.
Connectedness
A relation between things or events (as in the case of one causing the other or sharing features with it);
There was a connection between eating that pickle and having that nightmare
Connection
A purchase of illegal drugs.
Connection
(uncountable) The act of connecting.
Connection
The point at which two or more things are connected.
The connection between overeating and obesity
My headache has no connection with me going out last night.
Connection
A feeling of understanding and ease of communication between two or more people.
As we were the only people in the room to laugh at the joke, I felt a connection between us.
Connection
An established communications or transportation link.
Computers linked by a network connection
I was talking to him, but there was lightning and we lost the connection.
Connection
(transport) A transfer from one transportation vehicle to another in scheduled transportation service
The bus was late so he missed his connection at Penn Station and had to wait six hours for the next train.
Connection
A kinship relationship between people.
Connection
An individual who is related to oneself, through either family or business.
I have some connections in Lancashire.
Connection
(mathematics) A set of sets that contains the empty set, all one-element sets for any element that is included in any of the sets, and the union of any group of sets that are elements where the intersections of those sets is non-empty.
Connection
Coherence; lack of disjointedness
Connection
The description for a Methodist denomination as a whole, as opposed to its constituent churches, circuits, districts and conferences.
Connection
(slang) A drug dealer.
Connection
The act of connecting, or the state of being connected; the act or process of bringing two things into contact; junction; union; as, the connection between church and state is inescapable; the connection of pipes of different diameters requires an adapter.
Connection
That which connects or joins together; bond; tie.
Connection
Any relationship between things or events; association; alliance; as, a causal connection between interest rates and stock prices.
He [Algazel] denied the possibility of a known connection between cause and effect.
The eternal and inseparable connection between virtue and happiness.
Any sort of connection which is perceived or imagined between two or more things.
Connection
The persons or things that are connected; as, a business connection; the Methodist connection.
Men elevated by powerful connection.
At the head of a strong parliamentary connection.
Whose names, forces, connections, and characters were perfectly known to him.
Connection
Something that connects other objects.
Connection
Usually plural) an acquaintance or acquaintances who are influential or in a position of power and to whom you are connected in some way (as by family or friendship); as, he has powerful connections.
Connection
A communications channel; as, my cell phone had a bad connection.
Connection
A vehicle in which one may continue a journey after debarking from another vehicle; the departing vehicle of a connection{9}; as, my connection leaves four hours after my arrival; I missed my connection.
Connection
The scheduled arrival of one vehicle and departure of a second, sufficiently close in time and place to allow the departing vehicle serve as a means of continuing a journey begun or continued in the first vehicle; as, we can get a connection at Newark to continue on to Paris; - most commonly used of airplanes, trains, and buses arriving and departing at the same terminal.
Connection
The transfer of a passenger from one vehicle to another to continue a journey; as, the connection was made in Copenhagen; - most commonly of scheduled transportation on common carriers.
Connection
A vendor who can supply desired materials at a favorable price, or under conditions when other sources are unavailable; as, to get a bargain from one's connection in the jewelry trade; to have connections for the purchase of marijuana; - often used in the pl..
Connection
The process of bringing ideas or events together in memory or imagination.
Connection
A relation between things or events (as in the case of one causing the other or sharing features with it);
There was a connection between eating that pickle and having that nightmare
Connection
The state of being connected;
The connection between church and state is inescapable
Connection
An instrumentality that connects;
He soldered the connection
He didn't have the right connector between the amplifier and the speakers
Connection
(usually plural) a person who is influential and to whom you are connected in some way (as by family or friendship);
He has powerful connections
Connection
The process of bringing ideas or events together in memory or imagination;
Conditioning is a form of learning by association
Connection
A connecting shape
Connection
A supplier (especially of narcotics)
Connection
Shifting from one form of transportation to another;
The plane was late and he missed his connection in Atlanta
Connection
The act of bringing two things into contact (especially for communication);
The joining of hands around the table
There was a connection via the internet
Common Curiosities
How does connectedness affect community health?
Greater connectedness can lead to improved social support, resilience, and overall health in communities.
What strategies can increase connectedness in an organization?
Strategies might include team-building activities, transparent communication policies, and inclusive culture development.
Is connectedness always beneficial in ecosystems?
Generally, connectedness is beneficial as it promotes biodiversity and resilience, though it can also spread disturbances.
How do connections differ in digital networks compared to social networks?
In digital networks, connections refer to specific technical links, whereas in social networks, they refer to interpersonal relationships.
How does one measure connectedness in a network?
Connectedness in a network can be measured by the density and quality of links between nodes or the system's overall integration.
What is the difference between connectedness and connection?
Connectedness refers to a broad sense of being part of a larger whole, while connection refers to specific links or relationships between entities.
Can technology improve connectedness?
Yes, technology can enhance connectedness by creating more integrated networks and enabling easier communication.
What are the benefits of having strong connections in a workplace?
Strong connections can improve communication, collaboration, and job satisfaction among employees.
How can one improve personal connections?
Personal connections can be improved by investing time in relationships, practicing empathy, and maintaining open, honest communication.
What role does connectedness play in mental health?
A strong sense of connectedness can decrease feelings of loneliness and increase overall mental well-being.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
