# correlated

/ˈkɔɹəˌɫeɪtəd/ (US) · /kˈɒɹɪlˌeɪtɪd/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. statistically or logically linked

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic · Technical

connected in a way that when one thing changes, the other one also changes.

For teachers: having a mutual relationship or connection, in which one thing affects or depends on another; frequently used in statistical contexts to describe variables that move together.

- Researchers found that high levels of stress are often correlated with poor sleep.
- The data suggests that increased consumer spending is positively correlated with rising consumer confidence indices across the eurozone.

Usage: Usually followed by the preposition 'with'.

Teaching tip: Remind students that 'correlated' does not mean one thing causes the other; it only means they happen together.

## Examples

- High temperatures are often correlated with increased ice cream sales.
- Researchers found that high levels of education are strongly correlated with better long-term health outcomes in the general population.
- While the two data sets appear closely correlated over the short term, economists warn that this relationship may be coincidental rather than evidence of a direct causal link.

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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.