relate to

phrasal verb

related to; relating to; relates to

: 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.

: 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.

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

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

: 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 There’s a spectrum of characters people seem to be able to relate to over and over again. —

David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 May 2024 The deadline to join or receive part of a $35 million settlement related to microphone or audio issues for Apple's iPhone 7 or 7 Plus is approaching. —

Emily Deletter, USA TODAY, 17 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for relate to

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'relate to.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.