Find the meaning of the word: associates (Para 4)

In Para 4, 'associates' refers to those joined or connected with someone — i.e., partners or companions in an activity.

Concept

• The word has several close senses (colleague, partner, follower); the surrounding context decides which one fits.

Common mistakes

• Students often pick 'assistants' or 'followers', which imply a subordinate role, whereas the passage's context requires an equal, connected relationship — captured by 'partners'.

Real-world

• E.g., "business associates" or "close associates of the minister" refers to people connected with someone as partners, not subordinates.