Associate with Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To connect someone or something in your mind with another person, thing, or idea. Often means mentally linking things together because of a shared quality, experience, or relationship.
Usage & Nuances
Often used for both people and abstract things: 'associate with friends,' 'associate with danger.' Not the same as 'meet with' (physical meeting). Formal/informal, but avoid in very casual speech (instead, use 'hang out with' for friends). Can also mean having social connections (sometimes negative). Common construction: 'I associate X with Y.'
Example Sentences
I often associate with my coworkers after work.
basic
Many people associate chocolate with happiness.
basic
It's not good to associate with bad company.
basic
When I smell fresh bread, I immediately associate it with my grandmother’s kitchen.
natural
She doesn’t want to associate with people who gossip all the time.
natural
Do you associate any colors with certain emotions?
natural