Meaning & Definition of word "Relate"

Relate

/rɪˈleɪt/

noun:

  • 1. a connection or relationship between people or things.
    • Example: The relate between the two candidates made the decision-making process more challenging.

verb:

  • 1. to show or make a connection between two or more things.
    • Example: The teacher asked the students to relate their personal experiences to the lessons being taught.
  • 2. to tell or narrate; to give account of.
    • Example: She was asked to relate the events that led to the final decision.
  • 3. to have a relationship or connection with someone or something.
    • Example: He can relate to her situation because he went through something similar.
  • 4. to express or communicate emotions or thoughts about a subject.
    • Example: They were able to relate their feelings more openly during the group therapy session.

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin 'relatus', past participle of 'referre' (to bring back), from 're-' + 'ferre' (to bear).

Common Phrases and Expressions

relate to:

to understand or be connected to something

relate back:

to refer back to something previously mentioned

related to:

connected with something

relate one's thoughts:

to express one's ideas or feelings

Related Words

relation:

the way in which two or more concepts are connected

relative:

considered in relation to something else

relationship:

the way in which two or more people or groups regard and behave toward each other

Slang Meanings of relate

Meaning: to connect with someone's story or experience

Example Sentence: I totally relate to that.

Meaning: to feel an emotional connection

Example Sentence: I can really relate to his feelings.