Relate

Definition

The term "relate" describes the act of showing or making a connection between two or more things, or identifying with someone's feelings or experiences.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /rɪˈleɪt/
• Respelling: ri-LAYT

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /rɪˈleɪt/
• Respelling: ri-LAYT

Etymology

The word "relate" originates from the Latin "relatus," the past participle of "referre," meaning "to bring back" or "refer." It entered Middle English through Old French "relater," signifying "to tell" or "to refer."

Derivatives

• Relation (noun)
• Relative (noun, adjective)
• Related (adjective)
• Relatable (adjective)
• Relational (adjective)

Synonyms

• Connect
• Identify
• Associate

Antonyms

• Disconnect
• Dissociate
• Separate

Usage

The term "relate" is used in personal, professional, and academic contexts. For example, "I can relate to your feelings about the situation" or "The teacher related the topic to a real-life example."

Related Terms

• Relationship: The connection between two or more people or things.
• Reference: Mentioning or pointing to something specific.
• Association: A link or connection between ideas or objects.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To show or establish a connection: Refers to linking two or more things together logically or emotionally.
  • Example: "The report relates income inequality to education access."
• To tell or narrate: Refers to recounting or describing an event or story.
  • Example: "She related the events of the trip in vivid detail."
• To empathize or identify with someone: Refers to understanding or sharing someone’s experiences or feelings.
  • Example: "I can relate to how you feel after such a difficult day."