English Reference
Noun

correlate

n. countable
C1 Advanced Oxford US /ˈkɔɹəˌɫeɪt/ UK /kˈɒɹɪlˌeɪt/ cor·re·late UK spelling correlates, correlating

n.a thing that is closely connected to another thing, especially when one changes because of the other. You use this when you see a pattern where two things happen together.

n.a phenomenon, factor, or variable that exists in a mutual relationship with another. It implies a statistical or causal connection where one element corresponds to or complements another.


SIMPLE

High blood pressure is a known correlate of heart disease.

CONTEXTUAL

Researchers identified social isolation as a significant correlate of depression in elderly populations living in urban areas.

COMPLEX

While the study established a strong correlate between screen time and sleep disruption, the authors cautioned that correlation does not necessarily imply a direct causal mechanism.

Usage

Often followed by the preposition 'of' to indicate the related variable.

Usage highly correlate · negatively correlate · positively correlate

Intriguingly, researchers have found that these dialects often correlate to unique behavioural differences between groups, such as specific foraging and migration habits.

The Guardian· 27 Aug 2026

Engineers already use a related device, a trace identifier , to correlate events from one operation as it moves between services.

The Conversation· 13 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated