correlate

1 of 2

noun

cor·​re·​late ˈkȯr-ə-lət How to pronounce correlate (audio)
ˈkär-,
-ˌlāt
1
: either of two things so related that one directly implies or is complementary to the other (such as husband and wife)
brain size as a correlate of intelligence
2
: a phenomenon that accompanies another phenomenon, is usually parallel to it, and is related in some way to it
… precise electrical correlates of conscious thinking in the human brain …Bayard Webster
correlate adjective

correlate

2 of 2

verb

cor·​re·​late ˈkȯr-ə-ˌlāt How to pronounce correlate (audio)
ˈkär-
correlated; correlating

intransitive verb

: to bear reciprocal or mutual relations : correspond
If two things correlate, a change in one thing results in a similar or opposite change in the other thing.

transitive verb

1
a
: to establish a mutual or reciprocal relation between
correlate activities in the lab and the field
b
: to show correlation or a causal relationship between
There is no evidence correlating the cracking of one's knuckles and development of osteoarthritis.
2
: to present or set forth so as to show relationship
He correlates the findings of the scientists, the psychologists, and the mystics.Eugene Exman
correlatable adjective
correlator noun

Examples of correlate in a Sentence

Noun brain size as a correlate of intelligence the often uneasy relationship between the employer and his correlate, the employee Verb There is no evidence correlating height and intelligence. a demanding father who always correlated success with hard work
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
As the political scientist Jonathan Rodden has shown, the single biggest correlate of pro- and anti-Trump sentiment is population density. Francis Fukuyama, Foreign Affairs, 18 Jan. 2021 This pull-back correlates with the growing insistence from investors for profitability, shifting streamers’ business tactics. Callum McLennan, Variety, 24 Jan. 2024
Verb
Reports suggest this correlates with why 2.5 million users joined Bluesky the week following the election. Katie Wiseman, The Indianapolis Star, 21 Nov. 2024 This increase is due to higher assignor and law firm costs, correlating with the rise in claims recovery income. Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for correlate 

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

back-formation from correlation

First Known Use

Noun

1643, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1742, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of correlate was in 1643

Dictionary Entries Near correlate

Cite this Entry

“Correlate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/correlate. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

correlate

verb
cor·​re·​late
ˈkȯr-ə-ˌlāt,
ˈkär-
correlated; correlating
: to connect or relate in a systematic way
correlate history and literature lessons

More from Merriam-Webster on correlate

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!