ENGLISH
REFERENCE

correlates

n. plural-only
C1 Advanced US //ˈkɔɹəɫeɪts// UK //kˈɒɹɪlˌeɪts// cor·re·lates

n. things that are connected in a way where one changes when the other does. If two things happen together often, they are correlates of each other.

n. variables, factors, or phenomena that exist in a mutual relationship or connection, where one typically accompanies or varies with the other. Often used in statistical or scientific contexts to describe patterns of association.


SIMPLE

High income and education levels are often correlates.

CONTEXTUAL

Researchers identified several environmental correlates that seem to influence the migration patterns of local bird populations.

COMPLEX

While the study identified several neural correlates of consciousness, the authors cautioned that these associations do not necessarily imply a causal mechanism for subjective experience.

Synonyms
Usage

Frequently used in the plural form to describe a set of related factors; often followed by the preposition 'of'.

Pitfall

the correlates between X and Ythe correlates of XWhile you find a 'correlation between' two things, a 'correlate' is an individual factor belonging to a set; you describe it as a 'correlate of' the subject.

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