# correlate

/ˈkɔɹəˌɫeɪt/ (US) · /kˈɒɹɪlˌeɪt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/correlate
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- High blood pressure is a known correlate of heart disease.
- Researchers identified social isolation as a significant correlate of depression in elderly populations living in urban areas.
- 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 notes

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

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