Affiliate: meaning, definitions and examples

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affiliate

 

[ əˈfɪl.i.eɪt ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

marketing

A person or organization officially attached to a larger body.

Synonyms

associate, member, partner.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
affiliate

Best used to describe a smaller organization officially attached to a larger body or company. Often used in business or academic contexts.

  • The local TV station is an affiliate of NBC
  • The university has several affiliate colleges
associate

Suitable for referring to someone or something connected or joined with another, often in a work or organizational setting. Can also imply a less formal or direct connection compared to 'partner'.

  • She is an associate in the law firm
  • The two research institutes are associates in the project
partner

This word is appropriate for describing a person or entity that is involved in a joint venture or collaboration. Denotes a relationship based on cooperation, often in business or personal contexts.

  • They are business partners in the new startup
  • She is my partner in the dance competition
member

Used to denote someone who belongs to a group, club, or organization. Indicates full inclusion and rights within the entity.

  • He is a member of the chess club
  • Every member has the right to vote in the meeting

Examples of usage

  • The company has many affiliates around the world.
  • She works as an affiliate for a popular clothing brand.
Context #2 | Verb

marketing

To officially connect or associate with a larger organization.

Synonyms

align, associate, join.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
affiliate

Used when one organization becomes connected or part of a larger organization, often through some formal agreement.

  • The local gym decided to affiliate with a national fitness chain to offer more resources to members
associate

Used to indicate a loose or informal connection between people or things, often for purposes of collaboration or partnership.

  • He chose to associate with professionals in his field to learn more about the industry
join

Commonly used when someone becomes a member of a group, organization, or activity. It's about entering or participating in something.

  • She decided to join the hiking club to meet new friends and stay active
align

Refers to bringing things into a straight line or agreement, often used in contexts where ideas, strategies, or organizations are coordinated.

  • The company needs to align its marketing strategy with its overall business goals

Examples of usage

  • The business decided to affiliate with a well-known tech company.
  • He affiliates himself with reputable brands for his endorsements.

Translations

Translations of the word "affiliate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 afiliado

🇮🇳 सहभागी

🇩🇪 Partner

🇮🇩 afiliasi

🇺🇦 афілійований

🇵🇱 filia

🇯🇵 関連会社

🇫🇷 affilié

🇪🇸 afiliado

🇹🇷 bağlı ortak

🇰🇷 제휴

🇸🇦 تابع

🇨🇿 přidružený

🇸🇰 pridružený

🇨🇳 附属

🇸🇮 pridružen

🇮🇸 tengdur

🇰🇿 әріптес

🇬🇪 თანამგზავრი

🇦🇿 tərəfdaş

🇲🇽 afiliado

Etymology

The word 'affiliate' originated from the Latin word 'affiliare', meaning 'to adopt as a son' or 'to connect or associate with'. It first appeared in English in the mid-18th century. Over time, the term evolved to refer to individuals or organizations that are officially attached or connected to a larger body, typically for marketing or business purposes.

See also: affiliation, unaffiliated.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,804, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.