What is association? Pronunciation and usage in English

association means . Learn how to pronounce and use association through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of association

associationnoun

/əˌsəʊsɪˈeɪʃn//əˌsəʊʃɪˈeɪʃn/
Definition & pronunciation of association

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "association" in English. It can be a tricky one! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word is divided into three syllables:

  • as - pronounced like "az" (as in a "ace" of cards)
  • so - pronounced like "so" (as in "soap")
  • ci - pronounced like "sigh" (as in "sighing") - but with a short "i" sound.
  • a - pronounced like "uh" (a schwa sound – a very common, relaxed vowel sound)
  • tion - pronounced like "shun" (as in "button")

2. Putting it together:

The whole word is pronounced something like: az-soh-sigh-uh-shun

3. Emphasis:

The primary stress (emphasis) is on the first syllable: AS-so-ci-a-tion.

4. Tips for sounding right:

  • The "ci" sound: This is the most common area people struggle with. Focus on quickly making an "s" sound followed by a very quick, short "i" sound. Think of it as a very short "sigh."
  • The schwa sound: The "a" in "association" is a schwa, which is a very relaxed, unstressed vowel sound. Don’t try to force it into a longer, more defined vowel. Just let it be a quick, light "uh.”

Resources for Hearing It:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Focus on a particular part of the word (like the "ci" sound)?

Usage and examples with the word association in English

Let's break down how to use the word "association" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a breakdown of its common uses, with examples:

1. As a Group of People (Most Common)

  • Meaning: A group of people who share a common interest, profession, or connection.
  • Example:
    • "She's a member of a book association." (A group of people who enjoy reading.)
    • "The sports association organizes local tournaments." (A group dedicated to sports.)
    • "They formed an association for artists in the neighborhood." (A group of local artists.)

2. A Connection or Relationship

  • Meaning: A link or relationship between two or more things, ideas, or people. This is often used to describe a feeling or thought that arises automatically.
  • Example:
    • "There's a strong association between smoking and lung cancer." (A proven link.)
    • "He has a particular association with the color blue." (He often thinks of blue when he sees it - a strong, possibly emotional connection.)
    • “I have an association of loud noises with thunderstorms.” (Whenever I hear loud noises, I immediately think of thunderstorms.)

3. A Professional Organization

  • Meaning: A formal organization that represents a particular profession or industry.
  • Example:
    • "The National Association of Realtors helps real estate agents."
    • "The American Medical Association sets standards for medical practice."

4. In Psychology – Associative Learning

  • Meaning: (More technical) In behavioral psychology, "association" refers to how we learn to connect two things together – a stimulus and a response. This is at the heart of classical conditioning (think Pavlov's dogs).
  • Example:
    • "The dog quickly learned to associate the sound of the bell with food." (The bell and food became linked in the dog’s mind.)

5. As a Noun (Less Common – Related to “Associate”)

  • Meaning: Sometimes, “association” refers to the act of being associated with someone or something – like an employee of a company.
  • Example: “She is an association of the company, working in marketing.” (She works for the company.)

Key Phrases & How to Use Them:

  • Form an association: To create a group or organization. (“The volunteers decided to form an association to support the local charity.”)
  • Have an association with…: To have a connection or relationship. (“He has an association with the music industry.”)
  • Close association: A strong or significant connection. (“They had a close association during their time working together.”)
  • Loose association: A weaker or less direct connection. (“There’s a loose association between ice cream and summer holidays.”)

Tips for Using “Association” Correctly:

  • Context is crucial: The meaning of "association" will depend on the surrounding words and the situation.
  • Think about connections: When using it to describe a link between things, ask yourself, “What’s the connection here?”
  • Don't overuse it: While versatile, it's a somewhat formal word. Use it when a simpler word like “connection” or “link” wouldn’t quite fit.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you using "association" in? (e.g., writing an essay, talking to friends, a specific subject like psychology?)

Synonyms for the word association

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