# affiliate

/əˈfɪɫiˌeɪt/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/affiliate
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 2. to join a group

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to officially join or become part of a larger group or organization.

For teachers: to officially attach or connect a person or organization to a larger body. Often used in the passive voice or with the preposition 'with'.

- The small college decided to affiliate with the state university system.
- The research institute chose to affiliate with the national academy to secure more consistent funding for its long-term projects.

Usage: Commonly used in the passive voice: 'to be affiliated with'.

### 3. marketing partner

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

a person who earns money by promoting another company's products online.

For teachers: an individual or business that promotes a third party's products or services in exchange for a commission on resulting sales.

- She makes a living as an affiliate for several popular clothing brands.
- The company launched an extensive affiliate programme, offering high commission rates to influencers who could drive traffic to the new site.

## Examples

- Our local club is an affiliate of the national organization.
- The television station operates as an affiliate of a major network, broadcasting national news alongside local programming.
- While the parent company maintains strict oversight of its core brand, each international affiliate is granted the autonomy to adapt marketing strategies to suit local cultural preferences and regulatory requirements.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.