correlative

[ kuh-rel-uh-tiv ]

adjective

1. so related that each implies or complements the other.
2. being in correlation; mutually related.
3. Grammar. answering to or complementing one another and regularly used in association, as either and or, not only and but.
4. Biology. (of a typical structure of an organism) found in correlation with another.

noun

1. either of two things, as two terms, that are correlative.
2. Grammar. a correlative expression.

correlative

/ kɒˈrɛlətɪv /

adjective

1. in mutual, complementary, or reciprocal relationship; corresponding
2. denoting words, usually conjunctions, occurring together though not adjacently in certain grammatical constructions, as for example neither and nor in such sentences as he neither ate nor drank

noun

1. either of two things that are correlative
2. a correlative word

Derived Forms

• corˈrelativeness, noun
• corˈrelatively, adverb

Other Words From

• cor·rela·tive·ly adverb
• cor·rela·tive·ness cor·rela·tivi·ty noun
• noncor·rela·tive adjective
• noncor·rela·tive·ly adverb
• noncor·rela·tive·ness noun
• uncor·rela·tive adjective
• uncor·rela·tive·ly adverb
• uncor·rela·tive·ness noun
• uncor·rela·tivi·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of correlative¹

From the Medieval Latin word correlātīvus, dating back to 1520–30. See cor-, relative

Example Sentences

I think the idea of the objective correlative relies a little too heavily on every single audience member reading every single symbol in the same way, when we all bring our own emotions and thoughts to whatever piece of art we’re taking in.

From Vox

If you want to see a great example of the objective correlative hard at work, just check out “Mass in Time of War,” the second episode of Succession’s third season, which features a box of doughnuts, soaked in dread.

From Vox

By contrast, Eliot wrote, Lady Macbeth is a good example of using the objective correlative — that “damn spot” she can’t get out instantly gives us a sense of her deep, unresolvable guilt.

From Vox

Broadly speaking, the objective correlative is when an artist uses a symbol or image or object — or a string of them all together — to create a strong sense of feeling and emotion.

From Vox

That correlative trend between Siakam’s driving success and Toronto’s overall success has continued.

From FiveThirtyEight

To hell with seven types of ambiguity, the objective correlative, and the anxiety of influence.

From The Daily Beast

The fear of losing her increased his passion for her, and made him hate his rival with correlative fervor.

From Project Gutenberg

We might answer that the actualization of him who acts is simply present in such a thing (without correlative reaction).

From Project Gutenberg

It is correlative with black, which is the opposite extreme of neutrality.

From Project Gutenberg

Where she might have rejoiced in the correlative claims bestowed upon her, she nourished only complaint.

From Project Gutenberg

Potentiality and actuality are correlative terms corresponding to matter and form.

From Project Gutenberg