associate

(noun) a person who joins with others in some activity or endeavor. Example: "He had to consult his associate before continuing."

(noun) a friend who is frequently in the company of another. Synonyms: companion, comrade, fellow, familiar. Examples: "Drinking companions." "Comrades in arms."

(noun) a person with subordinate membership in a society, institution, or commercial enterprise. Example: "Associates in the law firm bill at a lower rate than do partners."

(noun) any event that usually accompanies or is closely connected with another. Example: "First was the lightning and then its thunderous associate."

(noun) a degree granted by a two-year college on successful completion of the undergraduates course of studies. Synonyms: associate degree.

(verb) make a logical or causal connection. Synonyms: tie in, relate, link, colligate, link up, connect. Examples: "I cannot connect these two pieces of evidence in my mind." "Colligate these facts." "I cannot relate these events at all."

(verb) keep company with; hang out with. Synonyms: consort, affiliate, assort. Examples: "He associates with strange people." "She affiliates with her colleagues."

(verb) bring or come into association or action. Synonyms: consociate. Example: "The churches consociated to fight their dissolution."

(adj) having partial rights and privileges or subordinate status. Synonyms: associate(prenominal). Examples: "An associate member." "An associate professor."