association
UK: əˌsəʊsiˈeɪʃn | US: əˌsoʊsiˈeɪʃn
n. a group of people organized for a joint purpose
n. a connection or relationship between things or people
n. the act of associating or being connected with something
The word association traces back to Latin associatio, derived from associare ("to unite with"). The prefix as- (from ad-) implies direction ("toward"), while soci reflects the idea of companionship or alliance. Over time, it evolved in Middle French as association before entering English, retaining its core meaning of connection or union. The suffix -ation solidifies it as a noun denoting the act or result of associating.
She joined a professional association for engineers.
There is a strong association between diet and health.
The association of these two ideas creates a powerful argument.
His name has no association with the scandal.
The local business association meets monthly to discuss community issues.