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
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.