associate associate /əˈsoʊsiːˌeɪt, əˈsoʊʃiːət, əˈsoʊʃiːˌeɪt/

adjective

1. Having partial rights and privileges or subordinate status  ( associate )
   having partial rights and privileges or subordinate status
    An associate member
   an associate member
    An associate professor
   an associate professor
   

noun

1. () A person who joins with others in some activity or endeavor  ( associate )
   a person who joins with others in some activity or endeavor
    He had to consult his associate before continuing
   he had to consult his associate before continuing
   
2. A degree granted by a two-year college on successful completion of the undergraduates course of studies  ( associate , associate degree )
   a degree granted by a two-year college on successful completion of the undergraduates course of studies
   
3. Any event that usually accompanies or is closely connected with another  ( associate )
   any event that usually accompanies or is closely connected with another
    First was the lightning and then its thunderous associate
   first was the lightning and then its thunderous associate
   
4. A person with subordinate membership in a society, institution, or commercial enterprise  ( associate )
   a person with subordinate membership in a society, institution, or commercial enterprise
    Associates in the law firm bill at a lower rate than do partners
   associates in the law firm bill at a lower rate than do partners
   
5. A friend who is frequently in the company of another  ( associate , familiar , yokefellow [ N. American] , companion , comrade , fellow )
   a friend who is frequently in the company of another
    Drinking companions
   drinking companions
    Comrades in arms
   comrades in arms
   

verb

1. () Make a logical or causal connection  ( colligate , link up , tie in , associate , connect , link , relate )
   make a logical or causal connection
    I cannot connect these two pieces of evidence in my mind
   I cannot connect these two pieces of evidence in my mind
    Colligate these facts
   colligate these facts
    I cannot relate these events at all
   I cannot relate these events at all
   
2. () Keep company with; hang out with  ( affiliate , assort , consort , associate )
   keep company with; hang out with
    He associates with strange people
   He associates with strange people
    She affiliates with her colleagues
   She affiliates with her colleagues
   
3. () Bring or come into association or action  ( consociate , associate )
   bring or come into association or action
    The churches consociated to fight their dissolution
   The churches consociated to fight their dissolution