associative

[uh-soh-shee-ey-tiv, -see-, -shuh-tiv]

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

/ 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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of associative¹

First recorded in 1805–15; associate + -ive

Example Sentences

“This is an associative poetic art show,” Simpson says of the 18 participating artists.

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From chapter to chapter, Lockwood deploys an associative strategy: anecdotes, memories and social commentary string together, rich and kinetic if confusing.

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But the bigger challenge is that Green is enfolding stories within stories that have an associative yet indirect connection.

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Inching close to the actor and composer, he played free associative word games with his name and pointed out the absurdity of the situation.

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Some scientists have argued that most of our language acquisition can be explained by associative learning, as we relate sounds to sensibilia, much like dogs associate the sound of a bell with food.

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