Word
correlation
Phoneticscor·re·la·tion, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌkɔɹəˈɫeɪʃən/
UK/kˌɒɹɪlˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
01general connection
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a connection between two things where one seems to affect the other, or they happen at the same time.
n. a reciprocal or complementary relationship between two or more comparable objects or phenomena.
日本語:相関関係※
“Researchers found a strong correlation between a healthy diet and a long life.”
“The study suggests a significant correlation between early childhood literacy programmes and long-term academic success in secondary education.”
Usage
Commonly used with the preposition 'between'.
Pitfall
There is a correlation of high prices and low quality.
There is a correlation between high prices and low quality.
Use the preposition 'between' to link the two things being compared.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02statistical measure
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Mathematics Technical · Academic
n. a number in math that shows how closely two sets of data are linked.
n. a measure of the linear relationship between two random variables, indicating the strength and direction of their association.
日本語:相関※
“The correlation coefficient was 0.8, showing the two variables were closely linked.”
“A high positive correlation indicates that as one variable increases, the other tends to increase in a predictable linear fashion.”
Usage
Often appears in the phrase 'correlation coefficient'.
Teaching tip
Teachers should remind students that 'correlation does not imply causation'—just because two things happen together doesn't mean one caused the other.
Synonyms
03geometry
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Mathematics Technical
n. a special type of matching in advanced geometry between points and planes.
n. an isomorphism from a projective space to the dual of a projective space.
“The professor explained how a correlation maps points to planes in projective geometry.”
“In the study of projective planes, a correlation is a transformation that switches the roles of points and lines while preserving incidence.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “correlation” in context.
Verb
01. report correlation
“Scientists were quick to report a correlation between the new drug and reduced symptoms.”
verb + noun
02. reveal correlation
“The final analysis failed to reveal any correlation between the two sets of results.”
verb + noun
Adjective
03. direct correlation
“Studies show a direct correlation between regular exercise and improved mental health.”
adj + noun
04. low correlation
“The data indicated a low correlation between the two factors, suggesting they are largely independent.”
adj + noun
05. positive correlation
“There is a strong positive correlation between household income and educational attainment.”
adj + noun
06. significant correlation
“The statistical test found a significant correlation between sleep quality and cognitive performance.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. correlation matrix
“The researcher used a correlation matrix to visualize the relationships between all variables in the study.”
noun + noun
08. correlation direct
09. product correlation
Real-World Examples
“THC rapidly leaves the bloodstream after smoking, and there is limited to no correlation between blood THC concentrations and impairment," Marcotte told the BBC.” “Our efforts have produced a mix of no, small and mixed associations.” The available data suggests correlation rather than causation, she argued.” Etymology
From Middle French corrélation. Morphologically correlate + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/correlation
※ 機械で選んだ訳語です。ネイティブスピーカーによる確認はまだです。
「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0