General:
* To join or link two or more things together: This can be physical, like connecting two pieces of rope, or abstract, like connecting ideas in a conversation.
* To establish a relationship or communication: This can be between people, like connecting with a friend, or between devices, like connecting to the internet.
More specific:
* To make a connection: This often refers to forming a link between two or more people, ideas, or things.
* To establish a relationship: This refers to building a connection with another person or entity.
* To link or join together: This can refer to physical or abstract connections.
* To make a connection with: This can refer to understanding or relating to something or someone.
Examples:
* "The bridge connects the two cities." (Physical connection)
* "She connected with her new roommate over their shared love of music." (Relationship connection)
* "He connected the dots to solve the mystery." (Abstract connection)
* "The new phone connects to the internet via Wi-Fi." (Technological connection)
The meaning of "connecting" will be clear from the context in which it is used.