associate meaning and definition

ASSOCIATE noun

Definition of associate (noun)

1. a person who joins with others in some activity or endeavor
   • "he had to consult his associate before continuing"
2. a friend who is frequently in the company of another
   • "drinking companions"; "comrades in arms"
   • synonyms: companion, comrade, familiar, fellow
3. a person with subordinate membership in a society, institution, or commercial enterprise
   • "associates in the law firm bill at a lower rate than do partners"
4. any event that usually accompanies or is closely connected with another
   • "first was the lightning and then its thunderous associate"
5. a degree granted by a two-year college on successful completion of the undergraduates course of studies
   • synonyms: associate degree

ASSOCIATE verb

Definition of associate (verb)

1. make a logical or causal connection
   • "I cannot connect these two pieces of evidence in my mind"; "colligate these facts"; "I cannot relate these events at all"
   • synonyms: colligate, connect, link, link up, relate, tie in
   • antonym: decouple
2. keep company with; hang out with
   • "He associates with strange people"; "She affiliates with her colleagues"
   • synonyms: affiliate, assort, consort
3. bring or come into association or action
   • "The churches consociated to fight their dissolution"
   • synonyms: consociate

ASSOCIATE adjective

Definition of associate (adjective)

1. having partial rights and privileges or subordinate status
   • "an associate member"; "an associate professor"