1. to connect or link in the mind
2. to spend time with someone regularly

1. a person who works with you or is connected to you in business
2. a person who has some connection with a group or organization

1. having a lower rank or status

Examples

• I associate the smell of cookies with my grandmother’s house.
• She doesn’t associate with people who gossip.
• My business associate helped me close the deal.
• He became an associate of the law firm after graduation.
• She was promoted from associate professor to full professor.
• The associate director reports to the main director.
• Many people associate success with hard work.
• The company’s associates receive health benefits.