relate to
phrasal 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 toThe exam questions are directly related to the readings.
Examples of relate to in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Ohio is one of at least 31 states considering legislation related to daylight saving time as of 2025.
—
Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 25 Oct. 2025
In many cases, those determinations simply cannot be made until court cases begin, and evidence relating to the suspect's background and planning are publicly available.
—NPR, 25 Oct. 2025
The White House says the task force has yielded 1,300 arrests related to outstanding warrants, drugs and firearms.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 25 Oct. 2025
By linking the snake symbol (related to water) with the monument, the Maya are directly aligning political rulership with the element of water.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for relate to
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Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 25 Oct. 2025
In many cases, those determinations simply cannot be made until court cases begin, and evidence relating to the suspect's background and planning are publicly available.
—NPR, 25 Oct. 2025
The White House says the task force has yielded 1,300 arrests related to outstanding warrants, drugs and firearms.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 25 Oct. 2025
By linking the snake symbol (related to water) with the monument, the Maya are directly aligning political rulership with the element of water.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for relate to
Cite this Entry
“Relate to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relate%20to. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.
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