Correlation: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when discussing the statistical or mathematical relationship between two variables. It often implies that the relationship does not indicate causation.

• There is a strong correlation between smoking and lung cancer.
• The study found a correlation between exercise and improved mental health.

Use when discussing a general relationship or link between two things, which could be either physical, emotional, or conceptual. It is quite broad and versatile.

• There is a connection between diet and health.
• He felt a strong connection to his hometown.

Use when referring to the way in which two or more concepts, objects, or people are connected, or the state of being connected. This word is often used in personal, professional, and scientific contexts.

• Their professional relationship blossomed into a close friendship.
• The study examines the relationship between sleep quality and cognitive function.

Use when referring to a general link or relationship between two concepts, often in a more casual or informal setting. It can imply a connection without strong evidence of causation.

• There's an association between high sugar intake and weight gain.
• She noticed an association between her stress levels and her headaches.

Used in scientific, statistical, or analytical contexts to describe a relationship or connection between two or more variables where if one changes, the other is likely to change in a consistent way.

• Studies show a strong correlation between smoking and lung cancer
• The researcher found a correlation between social media use and anxiety levels

Used in both casual and formal contexts to describe a direct connection, association, or relationship between two or more things, often implying a simpler or more straightforward connection.

• There's a clear link between exercise and improved mental health
• The website includes a link to additional resources

Commonly used in social, financial, or chemical contexts to describe a connection or relationship that holds people, things, or elements together.

• The bond between the mother and her child is unbreakable
• Government bonds are considered safe investments

Often used in academic or technical contexts to describe a mutual relationship where each element or factor affects the other.

• Biologists study the interrelation between species in an ecosystem
• The interrelation of supply and demand factors determines market prices

Use this word when discussing the relationship between two variables in statistics or data analysis.

• There is a strong correlation between the amount of exercise and overall health.
• The study found a correlation between education level and income.

This is a less common variant of 'correlation' and is generally used in the same contexts, but it may appear more often in academic or formal writing.

• The co-relation between sleep quality and productivity is well-documented.
• Further research is needed to explore the co-relation between diet and mood.

This word is suitable for discussing general relationships or links between things, people, or concepts. It's broader and more versatile than 'correlation'.

• There is a connection between good study habits and academic success.
• She feels a deep emotional connection with her best friend.

This term is often used in technical, scientific, or formal contexts to describe the way things are linked or connected, especially in biology or engineering.

• Genetic linkage refers to the tendency of genes to be inherited together.
• The report examined the linkage between corporate policies and environmental impact.