relate

[ri-leyt]

verb (used with object)

related, relating 

1. to tell; give an account of (an event, circumstance, etc.).

   Synonyms: repeat, detail, delineate, narrate

2. to bring into or establish association, connection, or relation.

   to relate events to probable causes.

   Synonyms: ally
   Antonyms: dissociate

verb (used without object)

related, relating 

1. to have reference (often followed byto ).

2. to have some relation (often followed byto ).

3. to establish a social or sympathetic relationship with a person or thing.

   two sisters unable to relate to each other.

relate

/ rɪˈleɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to tell or narrate (a story, information, etc)

2. (often foll by to) to establish association (between two or more things) or (of something) to have relation or reference (to something else)

3. to form a sympathetic or significant relationship (with other people, things, etc)

Other Word Forms

• relatable adjective
• relater noun
• misrelate verb
• prerelate verb (used with object)
• unrelating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of relate¹

First recorded in 1480–90; from Latin relātus, past participle of referre “to carry back” ( refer )

Word History and Origins

Origin of relate¹

C16: from Latin relātus brought back, from referre to carry back, from _re- + ferre to bear; see _refer

Synonym Study

Relate, recite, recount, rehearse mean to tell, report, or describe in some detail an occurrence or circumstance. To relate is to give an account of happenings, events, circumstances, etc.: to relate one's adventures. To recite may mean to give details consecutively, but more often applies to the repetition from memory of something learned with verbal exactness: to recite a poem. To recount is usually to set forth consecutively the details of an occurrence, argument, experience, etc., to give an account in detail: to recount an unpleasant experience. Rehearse implies some formality and exactness in telling, sometimes with repeated performance as for practice before final delivery: to rehearse one's side of a story.

Example Sentences

The Clippers have forcefully denied that they or Ballmer “circumvented the salary cap or engaged in any misconduct related to Aspiration.”

From Los Angeles Times

Older residents are much more susceptible to dying from heat or related complications, he said.

From Los Angeles Times

“We are the tip of the spear,” said Herbert, who is not related to Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert.

From Los Angeles Times

A spokesperson for the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust said the convictions did not relate to Mr Hopper's "professional conduct" at its hospitals.

From BBC

“But I’ve never experienced this level of impact as it relates to pressures coming from all sides of the housing ecosystem.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• affect 
• apply 
• ascribe 
• assign 
• associate 
• compare 
• concern 
• connect 
• link 
• pertain 
• refer