B2verb1K

Associate

UK /["/əˈsəʊsieɪt//əˈsəʊʃieɪt/","/əˈsəʊsieɪts//əˈsəʊʃieɪts/","/əˈsəʊsieɪtɪd//əˈsəʊʃieɪtɪd/","/əˈsəʊsieɪtɪŋ//əˈsəʊʃieɪtɪŋ/"]/US /["/əˈsəʊsieɪt//əˈsəʊʃieɪt/","/əˈsəʊsieɪts//əˈsəʊʃieɪts/","/əˈsəʊsieɪtɪd//əˈsəʊʃieɪtɪd/","/əˈsəʊsieɪtɪŋ//əˈsəʊʃieɪtɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to make a connection between people or things in your mind

In simple words: To connect someone or something with another person or thing.

Examples

  • I always associate the smell of baking with my childhood.
  • He is **closely associated** in the public mind with horror movies.
  • Most people immediately associate addictions with drugs and alcohol.
  • You wouldn’t normally associate these two writers—their styles are completely different.
  • I don't like you associating with those people.
  • I associate myself with the prime minister's remarks *(= I agree with them)*.
  • I have never associated myself with political extremism.

Usage notes

Use 'associate' when talking about linking ideas or people. It's appropriate in academic and professional contexts, but less so in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

associate + object

Memory hint

Remember 'associate' sounds like 'a-society' — it's about making connections between people.

Collocations

  • associate with
  • strongly associate
  • commonly associate
  • associate ideas
  • associate closely

Synonyms

  • mix

Antonyms

  • disassociate
  • separate

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'associating' which is the continuous form.
  • Using 'associate' without a clear object.
  • Misunderstanding it as a synonym for 'assist'.