association
High Frequency (B1-B2)Formal
Definition
Meaning
A group of people organized for a joint purpose or a connection or relationship between things or people.
In psychology, the mental connection between ideas or sensations; in law, a group recognized as a legal entity; in statistics, a measure of relationship between variables.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a count noun when referring to an organization ('an association'), but often uncountable when referring to the abstract concept ('by association'). The plural 'associations' frequently refers to personal memories or connections.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: Both use '-ssociation', but British English more likely to hyphenate in derived forms (e.g., 're-association'). American English uses 'association' as a descriptor more freely (e.g., 'association football' vs. 'soccer').
Connotations
In British English, 'association' often carries a formal, institutional connotation (e.g., 'The Automobile Association'). In American English, it can sound slightly more bureaucratic or corporate.
Frequency
Slightly more common in British legal and institutional contexts (e.g., 'housing association').
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
association between X and Yassociation of X with Yin association with Xmember of the X associationVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “guilt by association”
- “free association”
- “word association game”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to trade groups or professional bodies (e.g., 'the American Marketing Association').
Academic
Used to describe statistical correlations or theoretical linkages between concepts.
Everyday
Commonly used for clubs, societies, or personal connections (e.g., 'childhood associations').
Technical
In psychology, a principle of learning; in law, a type of incorporated entity.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The council chose not to associate with the controversial group.
- I don't associate that smell with anything pleasant.
American English
- The company refuses to associate with that supplier.
- People often associate rain with feeling gloomy.
adverb
British English
- The concepts are associatively linked in her mind.
- (Rare usage)
American English
- The data points were analyzed associatively.
- (Rare usage)
adjective
British English
- The associative property is key in mathematics.
- He has an associative memory disorder.
American English
- She holds an associate degree from the college.
- He was an associate member of the club.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She joined the student association.
- I have a good association with this place.
- There is a clear association between exercise and health.
- He is the president of our local residents' association.
- The study found a weak association between the two variables.
- The charity works in association with several international partners.
- Her name carries unfortunate associations with the political scandal of the previous decade.
- The trade association lobbied vigorously against the proposed regulations.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ASSOCIATION = A Social Society Of Connected Individuals Acting Together In One Network.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONNECTION IS A BOND/TIE ('a strong association'), ORGANIZATION IS A BODY ('the association's members').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of 'ассоциация' for every 'association'—for informal groups, 'club' or 'society' might be better.
- In Russian, 'ассоциация' can mean 'mental connection' more readily than the English 'association' in some contexts.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect article: 'He is member of association' -> '...a member of an association'.
- Confusing 'association' (group) with 'associate' (verb/colleague).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a typical meaning of 'association'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily formal when referring to an organization. When referring to personal mental connections, it is neutral.
An 'association' is typically more formal, larger, and purpose-oriented (e.g., professional). A 'club' is often smaller, more social, and less formal.
No, 'association' is only a noun. The related verb is 'associate'.
It means 'together with' or 'in cooperation with' and is used to show a collaborative partnership (e.g., 'This event is held in association with the local council.').