C1nounformal3K

Correlation

UK /["/ˌkɒrəˈleɪʃn/"]/US /["/ˌkɔːrəˈleɪʃn/"]/

Definition

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

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

Examples

  • 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

Usage notes

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.

Collocations

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

Synonyms

  • connection
  • relationship
  • association
  • link
  • interrelation

Antonyms

  • independence
  • disconnection
  • disassociation

Common mistakes

  • 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).