Correlative Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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correlative

[kษ™หˆrษ›lษ™tษชv ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

grammar usage

Correlative refers to pairs of words or phrases that work together in a sentence to connect similar elements or ideas. These are often used to show relationships between two equal parts of a sentence, such as 'either...or', 'neither...nor', and 'both...and'. Understanding correlative conjunctions is essential for constructing well-formed sentences.

Synonyms

cooperative, joint.

Examples of usage

  • You can have either the cake or the pie.
  • She is both talented and hardworking.
  • We will neither confirm nor deny the allegations.
  • Both the actor and the director were present at the premiere.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Grammar

  • In English grammar, correlative conjunctions work in pairs, like 'either...or', 'neither...nor', which link similar elements in a sentence.
  • They help clarify relationships by showing how two ideas or options relate closely to one another.

Mathematics

  • In statistics, correlation measures the relationship between two variables, helping to understand how they affect each other.
  • A high correlation doesnโ€™t imply one thing causes the other, just that they have a strong relationship.

Psychology

  • Understanding how different factors correlate can help psychologists determine behaviors and trends in human actions.
  • For instance, researchers might explore how social media use correlates with feelings of loneliness.

Science

  • In ecology, scientists study how various species correlate with different environmental factors, enhancing our understanding of ecosystems.
  • The relationship between temperature and species distribution is a key area of research in climate science.

Origin of 'correlative'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'correlativus', which means 'mutually bearing on each other'.
  • It combines 'cor-' meaning 'together' and 'relativus' meaning 'related', emphasizing the connection between things.

The term 'correlative' originates from the Latin word 'correlativus', which means 'relating to' or 'mutually referring to'. It combines the prefix 'cor-' (together) and the root 'relate', which underscores the idea of connection or relation. The concept has been used in linguistics since at least the 19th century to describe conjunctions that pair elements in a sentence. As language evolved, the term began to encompass various forms of relationships in both grammar and logic, highlighting how different parts of speech or phrases interact with one another to convey meaning. This has led to a broader understanding of correlative elements within language structure.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,491, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.