correlate

1.

/ˈkɔrəˌleɪt/

bear a reciprocal or mutual relation

2.

/ˈkɔrəˌlʌt/

either of two or more mutually related entities

Other forms: correlated; correlates; correlating

If you notice that crumbs appear on your little brother's shirt whenever the cookies disappear from the cookie jar, you can say that you've correlated two facts, meaning that you've established or revealed that they're linked in a way that explains both of them.

Detectives correlate pieces of evidence in order to solve crimes. For example, they might correlate a suspect’s bandaged hand with a shattered third-floor window. Correlate can also be used as a noun. Some companies promote products by suggesting that their products increase “happiness correlates,” or factors that have been shown to have a relationship with happiness, like health and friendship.

Definitions of correlate (/ˈkɔrəˌleɪt/)

1. verb

   bear a reciprocal or mutual relation
   “Do these facts correlate?”

   type of:

   agree, check, correspond, fit, gibe, jibe, match, tally

   be compatible, similar, or consistent; coincide in their characteristics
2. verb

   bring into a mutual, complementary, or reciprocal relation
   “I cannot correlate these two pieces of information”

   type of:

   associate, colligate, connect, link, link up, relate, tie in

   make a logical or causal connection