C1verb3K

Correlate

UK /["/ˈkɒrəleɪt/","/ˈkɒrəleɪts/","/ˈkɒrəleɪtɪd/","/ˈkɒrəleɪtɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈkɔːrəleɪt/","/ˈkɔːrəleɪts/","/ˈkɔːrəleɪtɪd/","/ˈkɔːrəleɪtɪŋ/"]/

Definition

if two or more facts, figures, etc. correlate or if a fact, figure, etc. correlates with another, the facts are closely connected and affect or depend on each other

In simple words: To show a connection or relationship between two things.

Examples

  • The figures do not seem to correlate.
  • A high-fat diet correlates with a greater risk of heart disease.
  • The average speed of the vehicles correlates closely with the severity of the accident caused.
  • Researchers are trying to correlate the two sets of figures.
  • Property values are negatively correlated to the tax rate.

Usage notes

Commonly used in academic or scientific contexts. Avoid in casual conversation unless discussing studies or statistics.

Grammar pattern

correlate + object

Memory hint

Think of 'correlate' as 'co-relate', two things relating together.

Collocations

  • closely
  • highly
  • significantly
  • be found to
  • be shown to
  • to
  • with

Synonyms

  • associate
  • link
  • connect
  • relate
  • compare

Antonyms

  • disconnect
  • dissimilar

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'correlate' with 'cause' - correlation does not imply causation.
  • Using 'correlate' as a noun instead of a verb.
  • Incorrectly conjugating the verb (e.g., 'correlates' instead of 'correlate').