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 ExmanExamples 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
Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 12 Mar. 2025
These sunspots are cooler areas of the sun's surface, and how many are visible correlates to how active the sun is.
—Jamie Carter, Space.com, 28 Feb. 2025
Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2025
The results were comparable and higher resting heart rate readings also correlated with higher body mass index and lower cardiovascular fitness.
—The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for correlate
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Noun
Mortality and mental health correlates of the Doomsday Clock
Discover Magazine.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 12 Mar. 2025
These sunspots are cooler areas of the sun's surface, and how many are visible correlates to how active the sun is.
—Jamie Carter, Space.com, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
These increases were closely correlated with improvements in foraging conditions, particularly large increases in anchovies.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2025
The results were comparable and higher resting heart rate readings also correlated with higher body mass index and lower cardiovascular fitness.
—The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for correlate
Cite this Entry
“Correlate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/correlate. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
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