verb
associate
uh-SOH-shee-uht
verb
1
To connect one thing or idea with another in your mind.
"Most people associate the color red with danger."
2
To spend time with someone, or join with them as a partner or ally.
"He was warned not to associate with known criminals."
noun
1
A person you work with, especially a colleague, partner, or business contact.
"She introduced him as a business associate, not a friend."
adj
1
Joined with another person or group, often with a lower or partial level of status.
"He holds the title of associate professor."
How to Use Associate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo link things in your mind or spend time with someone, or (as a noun) a colleague or partner.
Common pairings
associate with
business associate
closely associated
Word Forms
associated past tense, associates plural, Associates plural, associates singular
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Etymology
From Latin associatus, past participle of associare ("to join, unite"), from ad- plus socius ("companion, ally").