Main Entry:: re·late
Pronunciation:: \ri-ˈlāt\
Function:: verb
Inflected Form(s):: re·lat·ed; re·lat·ing
Etymology:: Latin relatus (past participle of referre to carry back), from re- + latus, past participle of ferre to carry — more at tolerate, bear
Date:: 15th century

transitive verb 1 : to give an account of : tell 2 : to show or establish logical or causal connection between <seeks to relate crime to poverty> intransitive verb 1 : to apply or take effect retroactively —usually used with back<the law relates back to the initial date of decision> 2 : to have relationship or connection <the readings relate to his lectures> 3 : to have or establish a relationship : interact <the way a child relates to a teacher> 4 : to respond especially favorably <can't relate to that kind of music>

— re·lat·able

\-ˈlā-tə-bəl\ adjective

— re·lat·er or re·la·tor

\-ˈlā-tər\ noun

Learn more about "relate" and related topics at Britannica.com

See a map of "relate" in the Visual Thesaurus

Find Jobs in Your City

Pronunciation Symbols