associative

/ə'souʃjətiv/

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The word "associative" is an adjective that describes something related to the way we connect ideas, events, or memories together in our minds. When we think of something and it reminds us of another thing, we are using associative thinking.

Simple Explanation:

• Associative means that two or more things are linked or connected in some way. For example, if you see a dog and it reminds you of a pet you had, that connection is associative.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "associative" to describe learning, thinking, or any situation where one idea leads to another.

Example:

• Associative learning: This is a type of learning where you learn by making connections between different ideas or experiences. For instance, if a child learns that a bell ringing means it’s time to eat, the sound of the bell becomes associated with mealtime.

Advanced Usage:

• In psychology, associative memory refers to the way our brain connects new information with what we already know. This can help improve our ability to recall information later.

Word Variants:

• Association (noun): The connection or relationship between two things.
  • Example: "There is a strong association between exercise and good health."
• Associate (verb): To connect or bring together in thought.
  • Example: "I often associate the smell of cookies with my grandmother's house."

Different Meanings:

1. Associative (mathematics): In math, it can refer to a property where the way numbers are grouped does not change their sum or product.

   • Example: (A + B) + C = A + (B + C)

2. Associative (general): It can also refer to anything that creates a relationship or connection, such as an associative network in computer science or data.

Synonyms:

• Connected
• Related
• Linked
• Correlated

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While "associative" does not have commonly used idioms or phrasal verbs, you may encounter phrases that relate to connections: - "Make a connection": This means to find a relationship between two things. - Example: "I made a connection between the book and my own life experiences."

Summary:

In summary, "associative" is about connections and relationships between ideas and experiences. It's a useful word in many contexts, especially in learning and psychology.

Academic

Adjective

1. characterized by or causing or resulting from the process of bringing ideas or events together in memory or imagination
   • associative learning

Synonyms

• associatory