C1noun formal 3K

Correlation

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˌkɒrəˈleɪʃn/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˌkɔːrəˈleɪʃn/"]/

Meaning of Correlation

a connection between two things in which one thing changes as the other does

In simple words: A connection or relationship between two things.

Correlation in a sentence

• There is a direct correlation between exposure to sun and skin cancer.
• the correlation of social power with wealth
• A strong correlation exists between the fatness of parents and their children.
• The second group of measurements had a high correlation with the first.
• The study showed a significant correlation between smoking and heart disease.
• The study showed a significant correlation between the baby's sleeping position and the risk of cot death.
• the correlation between speed and risk of accident
• the correlation of height with weight

How to use Correlation

Used in academic and statistical contexts. Avoid in casual conversations. Suitable for discussions on data analysis, research results, and scientific studies.

Grammar pattern

correlation + between + two nouns

Memory hint

Think 'coordinate' — when two things coordinate, they have a relationship.

Related words

Collocations with Correlation

• close
• good
• high
• have
• discover
• establish
• exist
• correlation between
• correlation with
• lack of correlation

Synonyms for Correlation

• connection
• relationship
• association
• link
• interrelation

Opposites of Correlation

• independence
• disconnection
• disassociation

Common mistakes with Correlation

• Confused with 'causation' - correlation does not imply that one thing causes the other.
• Used incorrectly with intransitive verbs like 'correlate'. It should be 'X correlates with Y'.
• Misunderstanding the difference between correlation coefficients (e.g. positive vs negative correlation).

Frequently asked questions about Correlation

What does Correlation mean?

A connection or relationship between two things.

What is the definition of Correlation?

a connection between two things in which one thing changes as the other does

How do you use Correlation in a sentence?

There is a direct correlation between exposure to sun and skin cancer.

Can you give another example of Correlation?

the correlation of social power with wealth

What are synonyms for Correlation?

Common alternatives include connection, relationship, association, link, interrelation.

What is the opposite of Correlation?

Opposite meanings include independence, disconnection, disassociation.

What words go with Correlation?

It commonly pairs with close, good, high, have, discover, establish, exist, correlation between, correlation with, lack of correlation.

What are common mistakes when using Correlation?

Confused with 'causation' - correlation does not imply that one thing causes the other. Used incorrectly with intransitive verbs like 'correlate'. It should be 'X correlates with Y'. Misunderstanding the difference between correlation coefficients (e.g. positive vs negative correlation).

How do you pronounce Correlation?

US: /["/ˌkɔːrəˈleɪʃn/"]/, UK: /["/ˌkɒrəˈleɪʃn/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is Correlation formal or informal?

"Correlation" is formal, so it fits professional, business, or academic conversations.

When should I use Correlation?

Used in academic and statistical contexts. Avoid in casual conversations. Suitable for discussions on data analysis, research results, and scientific studies.

What CEFR level is Correlation?

"Correlation" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.