correspond

correspond — verb

1. to have a close similarity or logical connection with something, so that the two

1.verbintransitiveB2
Definition

to have a close similarity or logical connection with something, so that the two naturally relate to each other or lead to the same conclusion

Example

The symbols on the old map correspond to natural landmarks like rivers and hills.

correspond + to + noun phrase for structural match

Hamza's test results did not correspond with the doctor's initial diagnosis.

correspond + with + noun phrase for consistency

Common collocations
  • correspond closely to
  • correspond exactly to
  • correspond roughly to
  • correspond directly to
  • fail to correspond
Synonyms
  • match

    used for exact sameness in appearance or quantity; stronger than correspond in visual contexts

  • equal

    suggests identical value, amount, or status; more precise than correspond

  • parallel

    describes a similarity in development, structure, or pattern over time

Antonyms
  • differ

    to be unlike or distinct; the most general opposite

  • contradict

    implies active opposition or incompatibility, not just difference

Grammar Patterns

correspond + to + noun phrase

correspond + with + noun phrase

Usage Note

Frequently takes 'to' for structural or functional equivalence — for example, 'the keys on the keyboard correspond to the letters.' Use 'with' for general consistency between two accounts or sets of information, as in 'her statement corresponds with the video evidence.' Some speakers treat the two prepositions as interchangeable, but the distinction helps make your meaning clearer.

Common Mistakes

The blue marks on the chart corresponds with the sales figures for each region.
The blue marks on the chart correspond to the sales figures for each region.
Use 'correspond to' when describing a structural mapping between two sets of items.

2. to exchange letters, emails, or other written messages regularly with someone, e

2.verbintransitiveB1
Definition

to exchange letters, emails, or other written messages regularly with someone, especially when you do not see each other face-to-face

Example

Yuki and her grandmother correspond by letter every month, sharing news and photographs.

correspond + by + medium (letter / email)

After the conference, Daniel began to correspond regularly with a chemist from Seoul.

correspond + with + person for regular exchange

Common collocations
  • correspond regularly
  • correspond frequently
  • correspond by email
  • correspond by post
  • keep corresponding
Synonyms
  • write to

    more general; does not necessarily imply that the other person writes back

  • exchange letters

    more specific about the medium; slightly old-fashioned

Grammar Patterns

correspond + with + person

correspond + by + medium (letter/email)

Usage Note

Only 'correspond with' (never 'correspond to') is used in this sense. The medium is introduced by 'by' (e.g. 'correspond by post') or 'via' (e.g. 'correspond via email'). The verb implies a two-way exchange — both sides write and receive replies.

Common Mistakes

I corresponded to my cousin in Canada for years.
I corresponded with my cousin in Canada for years.
When referring to exchanging messages, always use 'correspond with,' not 'correspond to.'

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

All four words describe similarity, but they differ in strength and scope. 'Match' implies exact sameness in appearance or quantity — a password must match what is stored, and paint colours must match perfectly. 'Equal' is stronger, meaning identical in value, amount, or status (e.g. 'the two sums are equal'). 'Parallel' describes similarity in development or pattern over time, as in 'the rise in temperatures parallels the increase in carbon emissions.' 'Agree with' is used for opinions, facts, or descriptions that are consistent without being identical — for example, 'your account does not agree with the official report.' Use 'correspond to' when describing how one thing maps onto another by design or function; use 'correspond with' for general consistency between two independent accounts.

match ↗equal ↗parallelagree with

Common collocations

Adverbs

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

The word 'correspond' comes from Latin 'correspondēre', which joins 'com-' (together) and 'respondēre' (to answer or reply). The original idea was 'to answer back' or 'to be in harmony with.' This root explains both modern meanings: when two things correspond, they 'answer' each other by matching or agreeing; when two people correspond, they 'answer' each other by writing back. The word passed into English through Old French 'correspondre' in the 1500s.