Correlate: meaning, definitions and examples

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correlate

[ˈkɒr.ə.leɪt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

statistical analysis

To have a mutual relationship or connection between two or more variables, typically in a statistical context.

Synonyms

associate, connect, link.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
correlate	Often used in scientific or statistical settings to describe a relationship where two or more variables have a mutual connection or pattern. This term does not imply causation, only that a relationship exists. Researchers found that sleep quality correlates with overall health. The data showed that the increase in temperature correlates with a rise in ice cream sales.
associate	Useful to describe a connection or relationship between ideas, objects, or people where the link is often weaker or more subjective. It can also be used in a social or business context. People often associate summer with vacations and beach trips. She is closely associated with the company's recent success.
connect	Best used to describe a broader or more general link between two or more things. It can also imply a physical link or an emotional bond. A bridge connects the two islands. We need to connect the computer to the printer.
link	Commonly used to describe a direct or specific connection between things. Often used in technological or informational contexts. Click the link to access the document. The detective found a link between the two crimes.

Examples of usage

Researchers found a strong correlation between smoking and lung cancer.
The data showed a positive correlation between exercise and improved mood.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

relationship

To be in a mutual or reciprocal relation to each other; stand in a relation of correspondence.

Synonyms

agree, coincide, match.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
correlate	Used when indicating a mutual relationship or connection between two or more things, especially when one changes as the other does. The increase in sales correlates with the new advertising campaign Studies show that stress levels correlate closely with work hours
coincide	Used when two or more events happen at the same time or when things happen to be in the same place. Their vacation plans coincide with our anniversary The launch of the new product coincided with a market boom
agree	Used when two or more people share the same opinion or when something is consistent with something else. Both parties agree on the terms of the contract The findings agree with our previous research
match	Used when something is equal to or resembles another in terms of appearance, quality, or characteristics. The curtains match the sofa perfectly Their skills match the job requirements

Examples of usage

The level of stress seemed to correlate with the amount of work pressure.
Her actions did not correlate with her words.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

mathematics

A statistical measure that indicates the extent to which two or more variables fluctuate in relation to each other.

Synonyms

association, connection, relationship.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
correlate	As 'correlate' was already defined above, this second instance might be an error. However, it can be consistently used in scientific contexts. Examining how sleep patterns correlate with cognitive performance
relationship	Often used to describe the way two or more people or things are connected, with a focus on the nature or quality of this connection. Common in personal, social, and professional contexts. They have a complicated relationship with their parents
connection	Broadly used in everyday language to refer to a link, bond, or relationship between two or more things, people, or concepts. There is a deep emotional connection between the two friends
association	Used to describe a link or connection between two things, but not necessarily implying causation. Common in academic and psychological contexts. There is a strong association between smoking and lung cancer

Examples of usage

The correlation between test scores and study time was significant.
Understanding correlation helps in predicting future trends.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'correlate' comes from the Latin word 'correlatus', which means 'related' or 'connected'.
In the late 19th century, the term began to be used in English to describe relationships between concepts or variables in science.

Science

In statistics, to 'correlate' often involves using a correlation coefficient that quantifies how closely two variables are related.
Correlation does not imply causation; just because two things correlate does not mean one causes the other.

Psychology

Psychologists study correlations between behaviors and mental states to understand how thoughts and feelings might be connected.
Understanding when people correlate their thoughts with emotions can help in therapies, as it sheds light on how they perceive situations.

Education

Teachers often look for correlations between different teaching methods and student performance to improve educational outcomes.
In educational research, correlating test scores with study habits can reveal patterns that help educators support students better.

Pop Culture

In the world of film, researchers might correlate box office success with marketing spend to understand audience attraction.
Social media analytics often correlate user engagement with trends, helping brands tailor their strategies.

Translations

Translations of the word "correlate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 correlacionar

🇮🇳 संबंधित करना

🇩🇪 korrelieren

🇮🇩 menghubungkan

🇺🇦 корелювати

🇵🇱 korelować

🇯🇵 相関する (そうかんする)

🇫🇷 corréler

🇪🇸 correlacionar

🇹🇷 ilişkilendirmek

🇰🇷 상관시키다

🇸🇦 ربط

🇨🇿 korelovat

🇸🇰 korelovať

🇨🇳 关联 (guānlián)

🇸🇮 korelirati

🇮🇸 tengjast

🇰🇿 сәйкестендіру

🇬🇪 კორელაცია

🇦🇿 əlaqələndirmək

🇲🇽 correlacionar

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,141, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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10138 scar
10139 cleaner
10140 posterity
10141 correlate
10142 reluctantly
10143 rye
10144 typed
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