# correspond

/ˌkɔɹəˈspɑnd/ (US) · /kˌɒɹɪspˈɒnd/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. to match or be similar

verb · CEFR B2 · Academic

to be the same as or match something else in a specific way.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. to write letters

verb · CEFR B2

to communicate with someone by writing letters or emails over a period of time.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. to be in harmony

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to fit together well or be in agreement with something.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The numbers on the map correspond to the names on the list.
- The two witnesses gave accounts that did not correspond with each other, leading the police to suspect a lie.
- While the physical symptoms often correspond to specific biological markers, the psychological impact of the disease can vary significantly between individual patients.

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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.