What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
affiliate
Example
She is an affiliate of the university and helps with their recruitment efforts. [affiliate: noun]
Example
The local store is an affiliate of a larger retail chain. [affiliate: adjective]
Example
The company was affiliated with a larger corporation that provided funding and support. [affiliated: verb]
associate
Example
He started as an associate at the law firm and worked his way up to partner. [associate: noun]
Example
She is an associate of the artist and helps manage her exhibitions. [associate: adjective]
Example
The company was associated with a charity that supported environmental causes. [associated: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Associate is more commonly used than affiliate in everyday language and covers a wider range of contexts. Affiliate is more often used in business or organizational contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between affiliate and associate?
Both affiliate and associate can be used in formal and informal contexts, but affiliate may be more formal due to its association with business and organizational contexts.
