associative

American  

[uh-soh-shee-ey-tiv, -see-, -shuh-tiv] / əˈsoʊ ʃiˌeɪ tɪv, -si-, -ʃə tɪv /

adjective

1. pertaining to or resulting from association.

2. tending to associate or unite.

3. Mathematics, Logic.

   1. (of an operation on a set of elements) giving an equivalent expression when elements are grouped without change of order, as (a +b ) + c = a + (b +c ).

   2. having reference to this property.

      associative law of multiplication.

---

associative British  

/ əˈsəʊʃɪətɪv /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or causing association or union

2. maths logic

   1. being independent of the grouping of numbers, symbols, or terms within a given set, as in conjunction or in an expression such as (2 × 3) × 4 = 2 × (3 × 4)

   2. referring to this property

      the associative laws of arithmetic

---

associative Scientific  

/ ə-sō′shə-tĭv /

1. Of or relating to the property of an operation, such as addition or multiplication, which states that the grouping of numbers undergoing the operation does not change the result. For example, 3 + (4 + 5) is equal to (3 + 4) + 5.

2. See also commutative distributive

---

Other Word Forms

• associatively adverb
• associativeness noun
• associativity noun
• nonassociative adjective
• nonassociatively adverb
• subassociative adjective
• subassociatively adverb
• unassociative adjective
• unassociatively adverb

Etymology

Origin of associative

First recorded in 1805–15; associate + -ive

Example Sentences

There’s a dreamy associative quality of the novella that made it feel true and beautiful and moving.

From New York Times

When both the hot and cool feeders held high-sugar solutions, the bees avoided those on the yellow pads—demonstrating they used associative memories when choosing where to feed, the scientists report.

From Science Magazine

Ma’s tenure lent Silkroad a high degree of name recognition, as well as associative proximity to the world of classical music.

From Washington Post

Fresno isn’t technically within the huge Sacramento DMA, but it’s close enough that we will assume some associative benefits for the Pac-12.

From Seattle Times

The phrase for this seductive maneuver is the “Gruen transfer,” wherein what starts as a single item on a to-do list oozes into an ecstasy of associative spending.

From New York Times