correlates; correlated; correlating
formal
1
: to have a close connection with something : to have a correlation to something
Note: If two things correlate, a change in one thing results in a similar or an opposite change in the other thing.
2
: to show that a close connection exists between (two or more things)
There is no evidence correlating height and intelligence.
plural correlates
technical
: either one of two things that are closely connected or correlated with each other
brain size as a correlate of intelligence
Cite this Entry
“Correlate.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/correlate. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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