relate

To be about or apply to a particular subject or situation.

• The question relates to safety.
• These documents relate only to last year.
• Does this rule relate to imported goods?

How to use it: relate to something (These rules relate to visitors entering the building.)

Similar words: concern, apply to, pertain to

Common phrases: relate to something, relate specifically to something

To show or find a connection between two things.

• Can you relate these two ideas?
• She related the poem to her own childhood.
• We must relate the evidence to the original question.

How to use it: relate A to B (Try to relate these results to your earlier findings.)

Similar words: connect, link, associate

Opposites: disconnect

Common phrases: relate two things, relate something to something

To have a connection with someone or something.

• These two problems relate closely.
• The shapes relate to the sounds being played.
• How does this event relate to the earlier one?

How to use it: relate to someone/something (The screen colours relate to changes in the music.)

Similar words: connect, correspond

Common phrases: relate to something, relate closely to something

To communicate or deal with other people.

• He relates well to children.
• The training changed how we related to customers.
• Some people find it hard to relate to others.

How to use it: relate to someone (She finds it difficult to relate to her classmates.)

Similar words: interact, communicate

Common phrases: relate to people, relate to others

To tell someone about an event or experience, usually with details.

• He related his story calmly.
• She related what had happened during the journey.
• Could you relate your experience to the class?

How to use it: relate something to someone (She related the whole story to her brother.)

Similar words: tell, recount, narrate

Common phrases: relate a story, relate an experience

To respond to something with a feeling or action.

• The audience related warmly to her performance.
• He related to the news with quiet sadness.
• Each child related differently to the experience.

How to use it: relate to something (Each listener related to the music in a different way.)

Similar words: respond, react

Common phrases: relate to something, relate emotionally to something