correlation

correlation — noun

1. a measure of how closely two different factors or sets of data are linked, so th

1.nounB2
Definition

a measure of how closely two different factors or sets of data are linked, so that when one changes, the other changes in a predictable way

Example

Amelia found a strong correlation between regular exercise and better memory in older adults.

correlation between X and Y

Jabari's study showed no significant correlation between students' screen time and their test scores.

no significant correlation

Common collocations
  • strong correlation
  • weak correlation
  • positive correlation
  • negative correlation
  • significant correlation
  • high / low correlation
  • direct correlation
  • correlation between X and Y
  • correlation of X with Y
Synonyms
  • connection

    more general; does not imply mutual change

  • relationship

    broader term that can include non-statistical links

  • link

    slightly less formal; suggests a direct tie

  • association

    common in academic writing; similar scope to correlation

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

correlation between [noun] and [noun]

correlation of [noun] with [noun]

Usage Note

Used frequently in academic, scientific, and statistical contexts. The preposition 'between' names the two things being compared (correlation between A and B), while 'of' + 'with' describes the set (correlation of A with B). A correlation does not prove that one thing causes another — that requires additional evidence.

Common Mistakes

There is a high correlation between exercise and good health because exercise causes better health.
There is a high correlation between exercise and good health, but this alone does not prove that exercise is the cause.
correlation measures association, not causation.

Word family

  • correlate
    verbB2
  • correlated
    adjectiveB2
  • correlational
    adjectiveC1
  • correlative
    adjectiveC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four words describe a link between two or more things, but they differ in scope and precision. 'Correlation' is the most technical term — it specifically implies mutual change (when one rises, the other rises or falls) and is standard in statistics and science writing. 'Connection' is the most general and informal, often describing any kind of link (a personal connection, a train connection). 'Relationship' is broad and neutral, suitable for both personal and analytical contexts. 'Association' is common in academic writing and is slightly weaker than correlation — it suggests a link exists without specifying its strength or direction. For example: a researcher would report 'a strong correlation between hours of study and exam scores' but say 'an association between diet and mood' when the pattern is less clear.

correlation ↗connection ↗relationship ↗association ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • in correlation with
  • no correlation
  • a high degree of correlation

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

From Latin 'com-' meaning 'together' and 'relatio' meaning 'a carrying back' or 'a relation'. The word originally referred to a mutual relationship in 16th-century English, and took on its precise statistical meaning in the late 1800s as scientists began measuring how closely two sets of data move together.