ENGLISH
REFERENCE

associating

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //əˈsoʊsiˌeɪtɪŋ// UK //ɐsˈəʊsɪˌeɪtɪŋ// as·so·ci·at·ing

v. connecting two things in your mind. You use this when one idea or person makes you think of another.

v. connecting ideas, people, or things in the mind through a logical or emotional link. Often used in the passive voice to describe a relationship between two variables or concepts.


SIMPLE

I am associating this song with my summer holiday.

CONTEXTUAL

Researchers are associating the rise in local temperatures with the recent increase in urban development.

COMPLEX

By associating the brand with luxury and exclusivity, the marketing team successfully repositioned the product to appeal to a more affluent demographic.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

Often takes the preposition 'with' to connect the two related items.

Pitfall

He is associating to that group.He is associating with that group.When meaning 'to spend time with', the verb requires the preposition 'with' rather than 'to'.

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