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
Former White House adviser Peter Navarro, who served time in prison related to the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, is back helping dictate Trump trade policy.
—
Will Weissert, The Denver Post, 19 Feb. 2025
In April 2021, state prosecutors said, Teran sent court records related to roughly three dozen deputies to a subordinate to evaluate for possible inclusion in internal databases that prosecutors use to track officers accused of dishonesty and other misconduct.
—Keri Blakinger, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2025
But for now, the first intervention’s idea is to create a space in the fields that farmers can still use for the collecting of the grapes, and, throughout the year, there could also be gatherings with local communities to talk about subjects related to the cultivation of the land and biodiversity.
—Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
The previous year, Arsenal had to write off £18.1m relating to the termination of Nicolas Pepe’s deal.
—James McNicholas, The Athletic, 19 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for relate to 
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Will Weissert, The Denver Post, 19 Feb. 2025
In April 2021, state prosecutors said, Teran sent court records related to roughly three dozen deputies to a subordinate to evaluate for possible inclusion in internal databases that prosecutors use to track officers accused of dishonesty and other misconduct.
—Keri Blakinger, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2025
But for now, the first intervention’s idea is to create a space in the fields that farmers can still use for the collecting of the grapes, and, throughout the year, there could also be gatherings with local communities to talk about subjects related to the cultivation of the land and biodiversity.
—Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
The previous year, Arsenal had to write off £18.1m relating to the termination of Nicolas Pepe’s deal.
—James McNicholas, The Athletic, 19 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for relate to
Dictionary Entries Near relate to
Cite this Entry
“Relate to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relate%20to. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
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