The word "correlates" can be a verb (meaning to have a mutual relationship or connection) or a noun (referring to things that are related or associated). Here are synonyms for both usages:
As a verb
- Relates
- Explanation: "Relates" is a very close synonym to the verb "correlates." It means to show or establish a connection between two or more things. For example, a scientist might study how a particular gene relates to a certain disease. It implies a link or association that can be described, investigated, or understood.
- Example: The researcher relates the changes in temperature to the behavior of the insects. This shows an active attempt to connect two factors, similar to how "correlates" is used when establishing a relationship.
- Associates
- Explanation: "Associates" also means to connect or link things in one's mind or in a more general sense. It often implies a less formal or more intuitive connection than "correlates." For example, we might associate a particular smell with a childhood memory. It can involve a psychological or experiential connection as well as a more objective one.
- Example: People often associate the sound of waves crashing with relaxation and vacations. Here, the connection between the sound and the feeling is made, similar to the way "correlates" would be used to show a relationship between different elements.
- Links
- Explanation: "Links" means to connect or join things together. It's a more active and sometimes more mechanical - sounding term. When we say something links two concepts, it implies a more tangible connection, like a chain linking two objects. In a research context, a new discovery might link different theories.
- Example: The new evidence links the suspect to the crime scene, correlating his presence with the time of the incident. Here, "links" emphasizes the connection that helps to establish a correlation.
As a noun
- Correlations
- Explanation: "Correlations" is the plural form of "correlation," which is a noun form of "correlates." It refers to the relationships or associations themselves. For example, in a statistical analysis, researchers look for correlations between variables such as height and weight.
- Example: The correlations between diet and health are well - documented. Here, "correlations" is used to talk about the relationships between diet and health, similar to how "correlates" as a noun would refer to related things.
- Relatives
- Explanation: In a more general sense, "relatives" can be a synonym for "correlates" when we think of things that are related or have a connection to each other. However, it's a broader term and usually used in a non - technical context. For example, in a family tree, your aunts, uncles, and cousins are your relatives, and there are relationships (correlations) between you and them.
- Example: In this ecosystem, all the species are relatives, correlating with each other through food chains and symbiotic relationships. Here, "relatives" is used to emphasize the connectedness of different species, similar to the idea of "correlates."