Relate

/rɪˈleɪt/

Meaning & Definition

noun
a connection or relationship between people or things.
The relate between the two candidates made the decision-making process more challenging.
verb
to show or make a connection between two or more things.
The teacher asked the students to relate their personal experiences to the lessons being taught.
to tell or narrate; to give account of.
She was asked to relate the events that led to the final decision.
to have a relationship or connection with someone or something.
He can relate to her situation because he went through something similar.
to express or communicate emotions or thoughts about a subject.
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

to connect with someone's story or experience
I totally relate to that.
to feel an emotional connection
I can really relate to his feelings.