Links To: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
July 24, 2023

"Links to" is a versatile idiom, implying connections, relations, or associations between people, places, or things. The phrase can be used to describe the act of connecting or associating different elements, whether they are physical objects, ideas, or people. It can also refer to the process of discovering connections or relationships between various entities.

In short:

  • "Links to" refers to the act of physically connecting two or more entities.
  • It means estabtlishing a relationship or connection between separate elements.
  • It may also mean o associate or relate things in an abstract way. 

What Does "Links To" Mean?

The phrase "links to" describes the act of connecting or associating different elements, whether they are physical objects, ideas, or people. It can also refer to the process of discovering connections or relationships between various entities.

Let's dive a bit deeper into its primary meanings and usage:

  • To join or connect two or more things, people, or places. For example, you might say that "the bridge links the two sides of the river."
  • To become connected, related, or associated. For example, you might say that "the two companies linked up to form a new business."
  • To discover a connection between multiple people or things. For example, you might say that "the detective linked the suspect to the crime scene through DNA evidence."

Where Does "Links To" Come From?

The word "link" first appeared around the 15th century. It was used to describe a ring or loop that forms a chain or a section of a cord. The word likely comes from Old Norse, a language spoken by the Vikings, where the word "hlenkr" meant "link" or "chain." By the mid-15th century, "link" was also used to describe a part of a sausage made in a chain. By the 1540s, it was used more generally to mean anything that connects one thing or part with another. In 1911, it started to be used to describe a means of communication between two points.

Historical Example

"Thence from the fifth mile monument, south sixty - six degrees twenty - five minutes west three hundred and ninety - eight chains forty links to the angle at the Duke's trees."

- Report Of The Commissioners To Ascertain And Settle The Boundary Line..., 1861

10 Examples of "Links To" in Sentences

To help you understand the context of using "links to," let's delve into some examples from different scenarios:

  • The detective found a crucial piece of evidence that links the suspect to the crime scene.
  • The tech nerd in him loves exploring websites that link to the latest gadgets and innovations.
  • The study links a lack of physical activity to an increased risk of heart disease.
  • With the help of a mentor, he managed to get back on track and link to a network of professionals in his industry.
  • Once logged in, the user can access various resources that the website links to.
  • As you surf the net, you'll find numerous articles that link to interesting topics and discussions.
  • The similarities between the two cases seem like more than a coincidence, as new evidence links them together.
  • The global trade system links countries to one another through commerce and exchange.
  • Great minds think alike, and their collaborative project links to several groundbreaking ideas in their field.
  • They linked their hands together to form a human chain.

Examples of "Links To" in Pop Culture

The phrase "links to" is frequently found in pop culture, indicating connections or relationships across a variety of contexts.

Let's take a look at some examples:

  • In the movie "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" (1990), the character Raphael says, "April's our only link to these guys. We have to wait until she comes up with something."
  • In the TV special "When Louis Met... Jimmy" (2000), one of the characters says, "Have you ever been linked to anyone in the press?"
  • "We had already concluded that the formation of complex societies is somehow linked to population pressure, so we should now seek a link between population pressure and the outcome of war," is a quote from the book "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies."
  • "Echos Past - Links to the Mayflower" by Willard Ingraham, published in 2007, explores the history of families connected to the Mayflower voyage and their subsequent settlement in North Dakota.

Other/Different Ways to Say "Links To"

Numerous other expressions convey a similar meaning to "links to."

Here are a few examples:

  • Connects to
  • Associates with
  • Relates to
  • Correlates with
  • Interconnects with
  • Ties to
  • Joins to
  • Attaches to
  • Bonds with
  • Bridges to

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Links To":

  • What does "links to" mean?

"Links to" typically refers to establishing a connection or association between two entities, ideas, or events.

  • How can I use "links to" in a sentence?

You can use "links to" to express a connection or association. For example, "Out of the blue, she discovered a blog that links to her favorite author's unpublished works.

  • Can "links to" only be used in a digital context?

While "links to" is frequently used in digital context such as referring to hyperlinks, it can also refer to non-digital associations or connections between entities, ideas, or events.

  • Can "links to" refer to people?

Yes, "links to" can refer to a connection or association between people. For example, "DNA testing linked him to his biological parents."

  • Does "links to" imply a causal relationship?

"Links to" often suggests a connection, but not necessarily a causal relationship. Context is key to determine whether the link implies causation or merely correlation.

  • Can "links to" be used to express a relationship between ideas?

Yes, "links to" can be used to express a relationship between different ideas. For example, "His philosophy links altruism to personal happiness."

  • Can "links to" indicate a physical connection?

Yes, "links to" can be used to describe a physical connection. For instance, "The chain links the anchor to the ship."

  • Is "links to" a universal concept?

While the phrase "links to" is English, the concept of indicating connections or associations is universal across different languages and cultures.

  • Can "links to" be used in academic writing?

Yes, "links to" is commonly used in academic writing to indicate connections between concepts, ideas, or data points.

  • Does "links to" imply a strong connection?

The strength of the connection implied by "links to" can vary and depends on the context. It can imply a strong connection, but can also be used for more tenuous or speculative associations.

Final Thoughts About "Links To"

"Links to" generally refers to the act of creating a connection or association between two entities. The phrase is used widely across different contexts, from academic research to digital communication and everyday conversations.

Here's a quick recap:

  • "Links to" can suggest a connection or association between a variety of things, such as ideas, events, people, or digital resources.
  • It does not necessarily imply a causal relationship and is often used to indicate correlation, although it can also be used to indicate causation depending on the context.
  • While it's commonly used in digital contexts (e.g., hyperlinks), "links to" can also be used in non-digital scenarios, such as connections between ideas or people.

The phrase "links to" is a versatile tool for expressing relationships or connections in both physical and conceptual domains. Its usage spans various fields and contexts, highlighting its integral role in our language and communication.

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