The word "associate" refers to a connection or relationship between two or more people, ideas, or things. It can also indicate the act of joining or linking together, either in a formal or informal manner. For example, when you associate something with another, you think of them together or see a relationship between them. In the context of the workplace, an "associate" often refers to an employee or a partner in a business.
The word "associate" originates from the Latin word "associatus," which is the past participle of "associāre," meaning "to unite with." The prefix "as-" conveys the idea of movement towards, while "socius" means "companion" or "ally."