"Connection" originates from the Latin Connexiōnem, (a binding or joining together), the nominative form being connexio.  It derives from conectere, meaning "to fasten together",  It combines con- ("together") with nectere ("to bind"), which shares a Proto-Indo-European root, ned-, with the English words "knot" and "knit".  The spelling shifted from connexion to connection in the 18th century. 

According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the earliest known use of the noun connection (also spelled connexion) is in the early 1600s.  The OED cites usage from 1609 in the Holie Bible faithfully translated into English (Douay–Rheims Bible).  While "connection" is more common in modern American English, the variant spelling connexion was used in English as far back as the early 18th century and was considered the original form.   The verb connect appeared earlier, with evidence from 1537, and the adjective connecting is recorded from 1700. 

Connection in story writing is a crucial, multidimensional concept that elevates narrative from a simple sequence of events to an engaging, memorable experience.  It involves establishing relationships between characters, linking thematic threads, and creating an emotional bridge between the writer and the reader. 

The Core of Reader Engagement: Emotional Connection  
Empathy as the Driver: Humans are wired for empathy, and emotional connection is often the most critical element in a story. A story without it can feel bland or uninteresting. 
Relatability: Readers connect with characters who feel real—those who are flawed, vulnerable, and face relatable challenges. 
The "Aha" Moment: Good stories create suspense and mystery, allowing readers to connect the dots themselves, which leads to a satisfying, intellectually stimulating experience. 
Sensory Details: Using sensory-rich descriptions (sounds, smells, textures) brings readers into the scene, triggering their own memories and creating a shared experience. 

Crafting a Strong Narrative: Internal Connection  
Moving Beyond Linearity: A great story is not just A-to-B-to-C. It is a "connection game" where the writer connects themes, plot points, and character motivations. 
Symbolic Echoes: Non-causal connections (e.g., having a character watch a play that mirrors their internal struggle) can serve as a shortcut for meaning, allowing for a more nuanced, multi-layered story.
Character Relationships: Populating a world with varied, complex relationships—romantic, platonic, or antagonistic—allows for deeper character development and reveals different facets of their personality. 

The Writer-Reader Bond: Authenticity 
Vulnerability and Trust: Sharing personal, honest experiences (even in fiction) creates trust. Readers connect more with a writer who is willing to show their own or their characters' weaknesses and failures. 
The "Human" Element: Writing is a way to bridge the gap between minds, providing a "tiny brain transplant" that feels like a genuine, deep connection in a modern world where they can be hard to find. 

Benefits for the Writer: 
Vulnerability and Trust: Sharing personal, honest experiences (even in fiction) creates trust. Readers connect more with a writer who is willing to show their own or their characters' weaknesses and failures. 
The "Human" Element: Writing is a way to bridge the gap between minds, providing a "tiny brain transplant" that feels like a genuine, deep connection in a modern world where they can be hard to find. 

Types of Connections in Stories: 

Just the facts:

CONNECTION Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

CONNECTION Synonyms: 219 Similar and Opposite Words | Merriam-Webster Thesaurus

CONNEXION Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

Connections are great until you miss one!