correlative

adjective

cor·​rel·​a·​tive kə-ˈre-lə-tiv How to pronounce correlative (audio)
1
: naturally related : corresponding
2
: reciprocally related
3
: regularly used together but typically not adjacent
the correlative conjunctions either … or
correlative noun
correlatively adverb

Examples of correlative in a Sentence

a doctor's duties and a patient's correlative rights As demand increases, we'll see a correlative increase in price.
Recent Examples on the Web With the passage of each anti-LGBTQ+ bill last year in Oklahoma, there was a correlative spike in calls to the Rainbow Youth Project’s Oklahoma crisis center line. Danielle Marie Holland, Parents, 28 Feb. 2024 Because of the correlative nature of the study, the researchers can't make specific recommendations to dog owners to ensure better canine health. Kaitlyn Huamani, Peoplemag, 20 June 2023 Previous work on this fundamental concept was restricted to schematic baby representations or correlative approaches. Ncbi Rofl, Discover Magazine, 28 Mar. 2013 But that is a Porsche hallmark as well: priciness and its correlative exclusivity. Brett Berk, Good Housekeeping, 4 Apr. 2023 Much like Fleetwood, Hoge owns a great record this season at correlative courses. Nick Hennion, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2023 The relationships are correlative but striking. Arthur C. Brooks, The Atlantic, 14 Apr. 2022 The driver size also plays a correlative factor in the loudness of the earbuds. Tom Price, Popular Mechanics, 6 Mar. 2023 Still, the authors write that the parasite could simply be more common in species that are declining—correlative, rather than causative. Andrew Moseman, Discover Magazine, 3 Jan. 2011

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'correlative.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of correlative was in 1530

Dictionary Entries Near correlative

Cite this Entry

“Correlative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/correlative. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

correlative

1 of 2 adjective
cor·​rel·​a·​tive
kə-ˈrel-ət-iv
1
: mutually related
2
: having a mutual grammatical relation and regularly used together
"either" and "or" are correlative conjunctions
correlatively adverb

correlative

2 of 2 noun
: either of two correlative things
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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