relate to

verb

related to; relating to; relates to

1

: to connect (something) with (something else)

Few of the people who became sick related their symptoms to the food they'd eaten the day before.

2

: to understand and like or have sympathy for (someone or something)

I can relate to your feelings.

I've never been able to relate to him very well.

He writes songs that people can really relate to.

3

—used to describe how someone talks to or behaves toward (someone else)

How a child relates to her teacher can affect her education.

4

: to be connected with (someone or something) : to be about (someone or something)

The readings relate to the class discussions.

—often used as (be) related to

The exam questions are directly related to the readings.

Examples of relate to in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

More than five million Americans suffer from disabilities related to TBI, and could potentially benefit from a new treatment. — Mirin Fader, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

The Telegraph reported late last month that the Justice Department and the FBI had not responded to the formal request related to Mandelson, who has denied any wrongdoing. — Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2026

Mountain thermals have betrayed countless hunters; these wind currents relate to elevation. — Jim Zumbo, Outdoor Life, 10 Sep. 2026

The letter also demands that the filmmakers preserve materials related to the documentary, including footage, interviews, research files, fact-checking records and communications with sources. — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2026

Rhymes for relate to

• hullabaloo
• accrue
• ado
• ainu
• aircrew
• airscrew
• anew
• askew
• baboo
• babu
• bamboo
• beaucoup