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 to

The exam questions are directly related to the readings.

Examples of relate to in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Jenkins, the former sheriff of Culpeper County in Northern Virginia, was convicted in December on charges related to his acceptance of more than $75,000 in bribes in exchange for auxiliary deputy sheriff appointments. —Annabella Rosciglione, The Washington Examiner, 26 May 2025

Schools need to ensure that if anything comes up that relates to a child’s well-being, the parents will be notified. —Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 25 May 2025

Charges related to the shooting were filed against the man, who was not publicly identified, officials said. —Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 25 May 2025

No charges related to the incident have been filed, the FBI added. —Amanda Musa, CNN Money, 25 May 2025

Rhymes for relate to

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