correlation
Say it: kor-uh-LAY-shun /ˌkɒrəˈleɪʃ(ə)n/ · noun
What “correlation” means
Two things tend to change together.
More precisely: A relationship where two things tend to change together, which doesn't by itself prove cause.
Example: “There's a correlation between owning a dog and exercising more, but which causes which?”
When to use it
In research or everyday discussion, for a pattern linking two things, while leaving open whether either causes the other.
Similar words
association, link, relationship
Quick check
On hotter days, both sunglasses sales and cold-drink sales rise. Without proving either causes the other, you've found…
a correlation or causation?
Show the answer
a correlation
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