correlate
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
adjective
noun
verb
-
to place or be placed in a mutual, complementary, or reciprocal relationship
-
(tr) to establish or show a correlation
adjective
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of correlate
First recorded in 1635–45; probably back formation from correlation and correlative
Explanation
If you notice that crumbs appear on your little brother's shirt whenever the cookies disappear from the cookie jar, you can say that you've correlated two facts, meaning that you've established or revealed that they're linked in a way that explains both of them. Detectives correlate pieces of evidence in order to solve crimes. For example, they might correlate a suspect’s bandaged hand with a shattered third-floor window. Correlate can also be used as a noun. Some companies promote products by suggesting that their products increase “happiness correlates,” or factors that have been shown to have a relationship with happiness, like health and friendship.
Vocabulary lists containing correlate
Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 1
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Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
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ACT Vocabulary List
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Credit scores don’t always correlate with incomes, but a larger income can help borrowers stay current on their bills and build their credit score.
From MarketWatch • May 4, 2026
The vertical integration of the lighting, the merch, how those imagistic components correlate to the music.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026
Thankfully, that is not the impression one gets here, nor does it correlate with visitors’ experiences.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 14, 2026
"I think there's a hell of a lot more work to be done when it comes to your menstrual cycle and addiction and how that can correlate to making those bad decisions."
From BBC • Jan. 7, 2026
Then correlate with math by switching to numbers.
From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
