Associate
/əˈsoʊʃieɪt/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo connect or link (things) in the mind, or to join or be connected with someone or something.
/əˈsoʊʃieɪt/
To connect with or join together.
I associate that song with my summer vacation.
💡 Simply: To link things in your head or connect with people/things.
More Examples
He is associated with a controversial group.
How It's Used
"I associate the smell of rain with childhood memories."
"The company is associated with high-quality products."
A person who is closely connected with another person or thing.
/ˈæsoʊsiət/
A person connected with another.
He is a business associate of mine.
💡 Simply: A person who works with or is connected to someone else.
More Examples
She's a close associate of the mayor.
How It's Used
"He's an associate at a law firm."
"She's a research associate at the university."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
associate oneself with
To connect oneself with a particular group or cause.
"He refused to associate himself with the controversial project."
From Latin *associatus, past participle of *associare "to unite, join together," from *ad- "to" + *sociare "to unite," from socius "companion, ally."
The word 'associate' has been used in a similar sense since the 14th century, initially emphasizing the idea of companionship and partnership.
Memory tip
Think of 'social' - associating is about connecting with others.
Word Origin
"to unite, join together"