Meaning & Definition of word "Associate"

Associate

/əˈsoʊ.si.eɪt/

noun:

  • 1. A person who is connected with another or others in some way; a partner or colleague.
    • Example: She was promoted to associate director after years of hard work.
  • 2. A degree awarded by a community college after completing a curriculum.
    • Example: He earned an associate degree in business administration.

verb:

  • 1. To connect or bring into relation; to relate to something else.
    • Example: Many people associate winter with cold weather and snow.
  • 2. To join or unite with others in some activity or endeavor.
    • Example: They decided to associate themselves with the charity to help those in need.

Etymology

Middle English: from Old French associer, from Latin associare 'to unite, to ally'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

associate with:

to connect or have a relationship with someone or something

associate degree:

an academic degree awarded by colleges or universities after a two-year course

business associate:

a person who is legally associated with another in business or a professional activity

Related Words

association:

a group of people organized for a common purpose

associationism:

a theory in psychology that explains mental processes by the association of ideas

associate professor:

a faculty member at a college or university who is below a full professor

Slang Meanings of associate