Definition, synonyms and related words
plural of association
"The museum displayed several vintage photographs that sparked nostalgic associations for many visitors from the 1950s."
In plain English: Associations are groups of people who come together because they share common interests or goals.
"The company decided to break ties with any organizations that promoted violence."
Usage: Use "associations" to refer to multiple groups formed by people sharing common interests or goals, such as professional societies or clubs. Do not use it to describe abstract concepts like connections between ideas unless you are specifically discussing mental links or relationships.
Derived from the Latin associationem, this plural noun comes from socius meaning companion or ally, originally referring to the act of joining together in partnership. It entered English via Old French around the 14th century with the sense of a group formed for common purposes.