Meaning 1
To connect people, things, facts, or systems so they relate or work together.
Reach for it when describing an actual connection, association, or route between separate elements
The shuttle will link three villages with the regional hospital.
Meaning 2
To show or claim that one thing is associated with another.
Reach for it when describing an evidence-based relationship between facts or events
The survey could link safer crossings with higher school attendance.
| Meaning 1 | Meaning 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| everyday | ||
| warm | ||
| professional |
| |
| formal |
| |
| literary |
everyday
Fits when the broadest plain verb for joining fits
Careful Connect may imply physical attachment rather than an organized relationship.
everyday
Fits when separate parts become one continuous structure
Careful Join is too strong when the elements merely communicate.
warm
Fits when people or efforts come together around a purpose
Careful Unite implies shared identity or purpose beyond a functional link.
professional
Fits when multiple people or systems establish useful connections
Careful Network suggests many-to-many relationships, not one direct link.
literary
Fits when a connection crosses a meaningful divide
Careful Bridge adds an image of separation that may not exist.
everyday
tie
Fits when evidence relates an outcome to a cause or actor
Careful Tie can sound more conclusive than the data supports.
professional
associate
Fits when a relationship is observed without proving cause
Careful Associate sounds analytical and does not make a practical connection.
formal
correlate
Fits when two measured variables vary together
Careful Correlation neither proves causation nor suits nonnumeric relationships.
link together
A covered path will link together the clinic and pharmacy.
directly link
The records directly link the donation to the repair fund.
link people
The exchange aims to link people with complementary skills.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated
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