Association: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'association' when you want to describe a formal or informal group of people with a common interest or objective or when referring to a mental connection between ideas or things.

• She is a member of the local art association.
• There is a strong association between smoking and lung cancer.

Use 'connection' when referring to a link or bond between people, things, or concepts. It can also refer to feeling emotionally linked or the state of being joined.

• There’s a strong connection between diet and health.
• I feel a deep connection with her.

Use 'link' when describing a literal or metaphorical tie between entities. This word is often used in the context of technology or explaining how things are related.

• Click the link to access the website.
• There is a link between low income and poor health.

Use 'relationship' when talking about the way in which two or more concepts, objects, or people are connected, or the state of being connected. It often implies a more personal or emotional connection.

• Their relationship has grown stronger over the years.
• The relationship between supply and demand is fundamental in economics.

Used to describe a group of people who come together for a common purpose, usually to discuss or work on issues related to their shared interests.

• The Environmental Association meets every month to discuss new conservation strategies.
• She joined a homeowners' association to stay informed about neighborhood issues.

A more formal term often used to describe a structured group, typically with an official purpose, such as non-profits, corporations, or other structured entities.

• The Red Cross is an international humanitarian organization.
• She works for a non-profit organization that helps homeless people.

This can refer to a group of people who share a common culture or interest, often related to a particular profession or academic field.

• The Historical Society hosted a lecture on ancient Rome.
• He is an active member of the Medical Society, which holds conferences and publishes research.

Often refers to a social group or an organization focused on a particular interest, often involving hobbies or leisure activities.

• He is a member of the chess club at school.
• They started a book club to share and discuss their favorite novels.

Typically used to describe a group of individuals united for a common purpose, often professional or social.

• He joined the local writers' association to network with other authors.
• The medical association is hosting a conference next month.

Commonly used to describe a group of teams or individuals in a sports context that compete against each other, but can also refer to any alliance of groups with a common goal.

• The football league will start its new season in September.
• Several non-profits formed a league to advocate for environmental protection.

A broad term that can apply to any structured group of people or entities working together towards a shared goal, often used in a business or non-profit context.

• She works for a non-profit organization that helps homeless people.
• The organization plans to expand its operations internationally.

Refers to a union of smaller organizations, usually within the same field, that come together to form a larger body, often for mutual benefit or to coordinate activities.

• The Chess Federation organizes tournaments all around the world.
• The various regional farming cooperatives formed a federation to have a stronger voice in negotiations.