correspond
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
to be the same as or match something else in a specific way.
to be equivalent or similar in character, quantity, function, or structure. Often used with the preposition 'to'.
Simple“The numbers on the map correspond to the names of the buildings listed below.”
In context“The experimental results do not closely correspond to the theoretical predictions made by the research team last year.”
UsageUsually takes the preposition 'to' when indicating a match or equivalence.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
to communicate with someone by writing letters or emails over a period of time.
to exchange messages, traditionally via post but increasingly through digital media, over a sustained period.
Simple“The two scientists continued to correspond for many years after the conference ended.”
In context“The biographer spent months reading the private letters of the two authors, who had corresponded regularly throughout the 1920s.”
UsageUsually takes the preposition 'with' when referring to the person receiving the messages.
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
to fit together well or be in agreement with something.
to be in agreement or harmony with a set of principles or expectations.
Simple“Her actions do not always correspond with her stated beliefs.”
In context“The proposed changes to the curriculum must correspond with the national standards set by the ministry of education.”
UsageOften takes the preposition 'with' in this sense.
Usage closely correspond · respectively correspond · roughly correspond
“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.”
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.