associative

[ uh-soh-shee-ey-tiv, -see-, -shuh-tiv ]

adjective

1. pertaining to or resulting from association.
2. tending to associate or unite.
3. Mathematics, Logic.
   1. (of an operation on a set of elements) giving an equivalent expression when elements are grouped without change of order, as ( a + b ) + c = a + ( b + c ).
   2. having reference to this property:

      associative law of multiplication.

associative

/ əˈsəʊʃɪətɪv /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or causing association or union
2. maths logic
   1. being independent of the grouping of numbers, symbols, or terms within a given set, as in conjunction or in an expression such as (2 × 3) × 4 = 2 × (3 × 4)
   2. referring to this property

      the associative laws of arithmetic

associative

/ ə-sō′shə-tĭv /

1. Of or relating to the property of an operation, such as addition or multiplication, which states that the grouping of numbers undergoing the operation does not change the result. For example, 3 + (4 + 5) is equal to (3 + 4) + 5.
2. See also commutative

Other Words From

• as·so·ci·a·tive·ly [uh, -, soh, -shee-ey-tiv-lee, -, uh, -tiv-, -see-], adverb
• as·so·ci·a·tiv·i·ty [uh, -soh-shee-, uh, -, tiv, -i-tee, -see-, -sh, uh, -, tiv, -], as·soci·ative·ness noun
• nonas·soci·ative adjective
• nonas·soci·ative·ly adverb
• subas·soci·ative adjective
• subas·soci·ative·ly adverb
• unas·soci·ative adjective
• unas·soci·ative·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of associative¹

First recorded in 1805–15; associate + -ive

Example Sentences

And—it’s funny, because I have yet to watch the show—the idea of the trilogy moving in a nonlinear and more associative instead of sequential logic came from somebody telling me about the TV show The Affair.

From Time

Pavlov’s dog is the most well-known example of classical conditioning, in which a dog salivates in response to a ringing bell because it has formed an associative memory between the bell and food.

From Singularity Hub 

This meant that forming an associative memory involves synapse formation and loss, but not necessarily changes in the strength of existing synapses, as previously thought.

From Popular-Science

Unlike most games that bend over backward to deliver easily digestible narratives, “Genesis Noir” leans into abstraction and associative logic with unabashed zeal.

From Washington Post

In the book’s best bits, his broad thesis provides fertile ground for expansive and erudite associative thought.

From Washington Post

Who is Friedman's source (and, by the associative property, Shapiro's)?

From The Daily Beast

Certain professors see a chance to benefit from this associative taint.

From The Daily Beast

So, you know, I think the other thing…I think we suffered quite a few associative attacks from Obama.

From The Daily Beast

I mean, instead, a mind that is thoughtful, curious, with a discernable pattern of associative thinking and insight.

From The Daily Beast

Thus, the thinking of primitive man is almost exclusively associative.

From Project Gutenberg

By one of those associative reversals which are common in the field of mythology, this then reacted upon the corpse itself.

From Project Gutenberg

The element of associative suggestion also enters into the manifestation of sthetic emotional feeling.

From Project Gutenberg

The utility of smell would be great because it is accurate, and hence powerful in its associative quality.

From Project Gutenberg

We say nothing here of Relative or Associative Beauty,this has never been  doubted either in its essence or its value.

From Project Gutenberg