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