Connected

Connected is an adjective denoting things that are joined, linked, or associated. It can describe physical links, such as a wire connecting two devices, or abstract relationships, such as members of a social network who feel mutually understood. The term derives from the Latin con- "together" and nectere "to bind," via Old French and later English development.

In technology, connected devices and systems are those that can communicate or exchange data over a network. Common forms of connectivity include wired (for example Ethernet) and wireless (such as Wi‑Fi or mobile networks). The concept underpins the internet, the Internet of Things, and cloud-based services, where function depends on reliable connections, latency, and bandwidth.

In mathematics, a space is called connected if it cannot be partitioned into two nonempty separated parts. This notion extends to components, with a connected component being a maximal connected subset. In graph theory, a connected graph has a path between every pair of vertices.

In social and psychological contexts, connectedness refers to the perception or reality of meaningful relationships with others and one's community. High social connectedness is associated with well-being and resilience, while perceived social disconnection can contribute to stress or loneliness.

In everyday usage, "connected" also appears in product labels, branding, and slogans related to smart devices, networking services, or collaborative platforms. The word emphasizes continuity and interdependence across physical, digital, and social domains.