What does intercorrelate mean?
Intercorrelate is a formal verb meaning to be mutually correlated, especially when two or more factors, variables, or measurements show corresponding variation. It is used chiefly in academic and statistical writing: researchers might say that age and sleep duration intercorrelate, or that several biological markers intercorrelate strongly. Unlike the broader verb correlate, intercorrelate usually emphasizes a reciprocal relationship among the items being considered. The word should not be read as proof that one item causes another; correlation describes an association, not its direction or mechanism. Although its vocabulary is largely Latinate, its form is straightforward: the prefix inter- adds the sense "between" or "among" to correlate. Because intercorrelate is relatively uncommon, a clearer phrase such as correlate with each other will often be preferable in general prose. For technical audiences, however, it is a compact and precise way to describe patterns of association across a set of variables.
verbTo be mutually correlated, especially when two or more variables, factors, or measurements show corresponding variation.
- To be related to each other by correlation, especially through corresponding variation among variables or measurements.
"The two measurements may intercorrelate even though each was collected independently."
"The two measurements may intercorrelate even though each was collected independently."
"Across these sites, temperature and traffic volume intercorrelate strongly."
Intercorrelate is statistical shorthand for saying that variables move in step—without claiming that one causes the other.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does intercorrelate come from?
The English verb was formed by combining inter- and correlate. The prefix inter- comes from Latin inter, meaning "between" or "among," while correlate was borrowed from Medieval Latin correlatus, meaning "related," from Latin correlare, meaning "to bring into relation." That Latin verb combines com-, meaning "together," with relatus, the past participle of referre, meaning "to carry back" or "refer"; it is also the source of relate and relation.
Related word forms
How intercorrelate is actually used
This is a formal, specialized word used mainly in academic, scientific, and statistical writing. It describes association without implying causation. In general prose, "correlate with each other" will often be clearer.
Easily confused with intercorrelate
Correlate is the general term for a relationship between variables, whereas intercorrelate more explicitly emphasizes that the variables are related to one another.