B1verbpsychologyacademic
US/əˈsoʊ.ʃi.eɪt/
UK/əˈsəʊ.ʃi.eɪt/
to connect someone or something with another thing in your mind
In context
Many people associate Vietnam with pho and motorbikes.
Smoking is associated with many serious diseases, including lung cancer.
I always associate this song with my first year at university.
Words that go with associate
verb + preposition
- associate withChildren associate the dentist with pain.
adverb + verb
- closely associatedThe brand is closely associated with luxury.
- commonly associatedRed is commonly associated with luck in Asia.
- strongly associateI strongly associate the smell of rain with home.
adjective + preposition
- associated withThere are risks associated with the surgery.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
I associate summer to the beach.Correct: I associate summer with the beach.