amalgamate与merge有什么不同呢?

摘一段the Merriam-Webster Dictionary of Synonyms and Antonyms的解释：

Merge suggests a combining in which one or more elements are lost in the whole. (“Merge”意味着结合后一些原有元素在新整体中消失了。)

例句：In her mind reality and fantasy merged.

Amalgamate suggests the forming of a close union rather than a loss of individual identities.（“Amalgamate"意味着结合后所形成的结合体并不必然导致作为组成部分的个体的个性元素丧失）

例子：immigrants that are readily amalgamated into the population

在公司法领域，Merger形式的合并一般意味着原来的两个公司组成一个新的公司，原来公司的法人地位由新的公司取代。

Amalgamation形式则可以大致理解为连锁~

此外，表达混合、结合、融合的意思的英语单词还有：mingle, commingle, blend, coalesce, fuse,mix等等：these are the words that mean to combine or to be combined into a more or less uniform whole.

Mix implies a homogeneous product, but may or may not imply loss of each element's identity.

(eg. :mix the salad greens)

Mingle usually suggests that the elements are still somewhat distinguishable or separately active.(eg.: fear mingled with anticipation)

Commingle implies a closer or more thorough unity and harmoniousness. (eg.: a sense of duty commingled with a fierce pride)

Blend implies that the elements as such disappear in the resulting mixture. (to blend several teas to create a balanced brew)

Coalesce implies an affinity in the merging elements and usually a resulting organic unity. (telling details that coalesce into a striking portrait)

Fuse stresses oneness and indissolubility of the resulting product. (a buiding in which modernism and classicism are fused)