What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
correlate
Example
The study found a strong correlation between smoking and lung cancer. [correlation: noun]
Example
The data shows that income and education level correlate positively. [correlate: verb]
relate
Example
I can relate to your experience because I went through something similar. [relate: verb]
Example
The story relates to the theme of love and loss. [relates: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Relate is more commonly used than correlate in everyday language. Relate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while correlate is less common and refers to a specific type of relationship.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between correlate and relate?
Correlate is typically associated with a more formal tone due to its technical usage, while relate is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
