Correlate Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈkɒrɪleɪt/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Verb or Noun

Definition

To establish a mutual or reciprocal relationship between two or more things, or a person or thing that is associated or connected with another.

Examples

• The researcher attempted to correlate the data from the two studies.
• There is a strong correlate between exercise and improved mental health.

Synonyms

• Associate
• Relate
• Connect

Antonyms

• Disconnect
• Separate
• Isolate

Additional Information

The concept of correlation is widely used in various fields, including statistics, science, and social sciences. It helps to identify relationships between variables, which can be used to make predictions, understand cause-and-effect relationships, and inform decision-making. Correlation does not necessarily imply causation, and it is essential to consider other factors that may influence the relationship between variables.

In statistics, correlation is often measured using correlation coefficients, such as Pearson’s r or Spearman’s rho. These coefficients provide a numerical value that represents the strength and direction of the relationship between two variables.

In everyday life, correlation is used to identify patterns and relationships between events, behaviors, or characteristics. For example, a person may notice a correlation between their mood and the weather, or between their exercise habits and their energy levels.

Eymology

The word “correlate” comes from the Latin “correlatus,” which means “together in relation.” It has been used in the English language since the 15th century to describe a relationship between two or more things.

Usage Notes

When using the word “correlate,” it is essential to consider the context and the type of relationship being described. In scientific and statistical contexts, correlation is often used to describe a specific type of relationship between variables. In everyday language, correlation can be used more broadly to describe any type of association or connection between things.

Cultural References

The concept of correlation has been referenced in popular culture, such as in the phrase “correlation does not imply causation.” This phrase is often used to caution against assuming a cause-and-effect relationship between two variables based solely on their correlation.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Correlation does not imply causation.
• There is a strong correlation between…

Related Words or Phrases

• Association
• Connection
• Relationship

Collocations

• Correlate with
• Correlate to
• Correlate between

Frequency of Use

The word “correlate” is commonly used in scientific and statistical contexts, as well as in everyday language. According to the Corpus of Contemporary American English, the word “correlate” is used approximately 1.5 times per million words.

Common Misspellings

• Corelate
• Corrolate
• Corralate