association

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/əˌsoʊsiˈeɪʃən/
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An organized group, a social or historical link, a mental connection, and in technical use a measured or modeled relationship between things.
Practice using association in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • The film was produced in association with a local arts charity.
  • The word carried old literary associations for the class.
  • Bright colors can create positive associations in a brand.
  • Researchers found a strong association between exercise and lower blood pressure.
  • The algorithm searched for associations in customer purchase data.

Similar words

suggestion
connotation
tie
relation
dependence
link
relationship
club
relationship
federation

Meanings

Organized group with a shared purpose

noun
organizations
neutral
A formal or semi-formal group of people or organizations joined around a shared interest, profession, activity, or cause.

Examples

  • The neighborhood association organizes a cleanup every spring.
  • Several trade associations objected to the new regulation.
  • She joined a professional association for music teachers.
  • The association elected a new chair at the annual meeting.
  • Local associations raised money for the library.

Similar words

organization
society
club
union
alliance
coalition
guild
federation

Connection or involvement

noun
relationships
neutral
A relationship, partnership, or history of involvement that links people, groups, places, or things.

Examples

  • The film was produced in association with a local arts charity.
  • Her long association with the university shaped her career.
  • The brand tried to avoid any association with the scandal.
  • The town has historic associations with shipbuilding.
  • He was judged unfairly by association with the group.

Similar words

connection
relationship
affiliation
link
partnership
involvement
tie
bond

Measured or modeled relationship

noun
research
technical
A relationship between variables, data items, or modeled entities that is observed, calculated, or represented without necessarily proving cause.

Examples

  • Researchers found a strong association between exercise and lower blood pressure.
  • The report notes that association does not prove causation.
  • A UML association can show how two classes are structurally linked.
  • The algorithm searched for associations in customer purchase data.
  • The study measured the association between income and education level.

Similar words

relationship
correlation
link
dependence
connection
pattern
relation
mapping

Etymology

From Medieval Latin associatio, from Latin associare, meaning to join or unite with, built from ad- meaning to and socius meaning companion or ally. English has used it since the sixteenth century for joining together, then for groups and mental links.

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