Word
correspond
Phoneticscor·re·spond, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌkɔɹəˈspɑnd/
UK/kˌɒɹɪspˈɒnd/
Definitions
01to match or be similar
B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic
v. to be the same as or match something else in a specific way.
v. to be equivalent or similar in character, quantity, function, or structure. Often used with the preposition 'to'.
“The numbers on the map correspond to the names of the buildings listed below.”
“The experimental results do not closely correspond to the theoretical predictions made by the research team last year.”
Usage
Usually takes the preposition 'to' when indicating a match or equivalence.
02to write letters
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to communicate with someone by writing letters or emails over a period of time.
v. to exchange messages, traditionally via post but increasingly through digital media, over a sustained period.
“The two scientists continued to correspond for many years after the conference ended.”
“The biographer spent months reading the private letters of the two authors, who had corresponded regularly throughout the 1920s.”
Usage
Usually takes the preposition 'with' when referring to the person receiving the messages.
Synonyms
03to be in harmony
C1 · Advanced Formal
v. to fit together well or be in agreement with something.
v. to be in agreement or harmony with a set of principles or expectations.
“Her actions do not always correspond with her stated beliefs.”
“The proposed changes to the curriculum must correspond with the national standards set by the ministry of education.”
Usage
Often takes the preposition 'with' in this sense.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “correspond” in context.
Adverb
01. closely correspond
“The results of the second study closely correspond to the findings of the first.”
adv + verb
02. respectively correspond
“The red and blue lines on the graph respectively correspond to the revenue and expenses.”
adv + verb
03. roughly correspond
“These historical periods roughly correspond to the rise and fall of the Roman Empire.”
adv + verb
Real-World Examples
“Across mountain ranges, greater warming corresponded to larger shifts toward warmth-associated vegetation.” “The project began after Denmark's 2022 national election, when votes and seats failed to correspond for the first time in 75 years.” “A 10% reduction in nitrogen pollution in water corresponds to about a 6.6% reduction in use of nitrogen fertilizers .” “Other lahars have been linked to volcanic blasts, but so far, no ash layer has been found that would correspond to a 1507 eruption at Mount Rainier.” Etymology
From Middle French correspondre, from Latin com- (“with”) + respondeo (“to match, to answer to”), equivalent to co- + respond.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
- 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
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englishreference.com/q/correspond