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Collocated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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collocated

[ˈkɒləˌkeɪtɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

language usage

Collocated refers to words that are commonly used together in language. These combinations often produce natural-sounding phrases, which may not be immediately obvious to non-native speakers. Understanding collocations is crucial for mastering a language, as they help in forming more fluent and idiomatic expressions. For instance, certain adjectives are often paired with specific nouns, making them collocated terms.

Synonyms

associated, co-located, combined.

Examples of usage

  • strong coffee
  • make a decision
  • fast food
  • take a break
  • heavy rain

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Linguistics

  • Certain word pairs are more likely to appear together, like 'fast car' instead of 'quick car'.
  • Collocations can vary by language; for example, in English we say 'make a decision' instead of 'do a decision'.
  • Learning common collocations helps improve language skills and makes speech sound more natural.

Cognitive Science

  • The brain processes collocated words as single units, speeding up language comprehension.
  • Familiarity with collocations enhances memory retention for vocabulary.
  • Using collocations in writing can create a smoother flow, making it easier for readers to understand.

Education

  • Teachers often encourage students to learn collocations to build fluency in a foreign language.
  • Grammar books provide lists of common collocations to help learners sound more fluent.
  • Exercises focusing on collocations can improve overall writing and speaking skills.

Pop Culture

  • Many song lyrics involve frequent collocations, which create catchy phrases and rhymes.
  • The rise of social media has led to the creation of new collocations, like 'viral content'.
  • Popular phrases in advertising often use collocated words to evoke emotions and associations.

Origin of 'collocated'

The term 'collocated' derives from the Latin root 'collocare,' meaning 'to place together.' In its early uses, particularly in the 19th century, the word was primarily employed in technical and linguistic contexts. It began to evolve into a more general linguistic term that describes how certain words tend to group together. The study of collocations grew in importance alongside linguistic research, with scholars recognizing that language is not just a collection of individual words, but rather a network of relationships between words. This insight has significantly impacted the fields of language education and cognitive linguistics, making 'collocated' a vital term in understanding how language is used effectively.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,212 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.