cor·re·late
ˈkȯr-ə-lət 
ˈkär-,
-ˌlāt
1
: either of two things so related that one directly implies or is complementary to the other (such as husband and wife)
brain size as a correlate of intelligence
2
: a phenomenon that accompanies another phenomenon, is usually parallel to it, and is related in some way to it
… precise electrical correlates of conscious thinking in the human brain …—
Bayard Webster
Bayard Webster
correlate
adjective
cor·re·late
ˈkȯr-ə-ˌlāt
ˈkär-
correlated; correlating
: to bear reciprocal or mutual relations : correspond
If two things correlate, a change in one thing results in a similar or opposite change in the other thing.
1
a
: to establish a mutual or reciprocal relation between
correlate activities in the lab and the field
b
: to show correlation or a causal relationship between
There is no evidence correlating the cracking of one's knuckles and development of osteoarthritis.
2
: to present or set forth so as to show relationship
He correlates the findings of the scientists, the psychologists, and the mystics.—Eugene Exman
Eugene ExmanSynonyms
Examples of correlate in a Sentence
Noun
brain size as a correlate of intelligence
the often uneasy relationship between the employer and his correlate, the employee
Verb
There is no evidence correlating height and intelligence.
a demanding father who always correlated success with hard work
Recent Examples on the Web
Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 2 Dec. 2024
As the political scientist Jonathan Rodden has shown, the single biggest correlate of pro- and anti-Trump sentiment is population density.
—Francis Fukuyama, Foreign Affairs, 18 Jan. 2021
Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 10 Dec. 2024
In addition, research from Washington State University found that large proportions of people suffer from FOMO (fear of missing out) and social anxiety—which are in turn correlated with low self-esteem and low self-compassion.
—Tracy Brower, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for correlate 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
Facial correlates of emotional behaviour in the domestic cat (Felis catus)
Frontiers in Psychology.
—Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 2 Dec. 2024
As the political scientist Jonathan Rodden has shown, the single biggest correlate of pro- and anti-Trump sentiment is population density.
—Francis Fukuyama, Foreign Affairs, 18 Jan. 2021
Verb
At-home sleep devices include watches or rings that detect changes in your body temperature, physical movements, and heart rate that correlate with sleep stages.
—Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 10 Dec. 2024
In addition, research from Washington State University found that large proportions of people suffer from FOMO (fear of missing out) and social anxiety—which are in turn correlated with low self-esteem and low self-compassion.
—Tracy Brower, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for correlate
Dictionary Entries Near correlate
Cite this Entry
“Correlate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/correlate. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share