1. the property of an operation where the grouping of operands does not affect the result
Usage: mathematics
2. the quality of being associative or capable of forming associations
Usage: formal

Examples

• Addition demonstrates associativity because (2 + 3) + 4 equals 2 + (3 + 4).
• The associativity of multiplication allows us to rearrange parentheses freely.
• Students learn about associativity when studying basic algebraic properties.
• Matrix multiplication exhibits associativity under certain conditions.
• The associativity principle simplifies complex mathematical calculations.
• Programming languages often rely on operator associativity for expression evaluation.