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
Epstein, who cultivated relationships with many rich and powerful men and women, pleaded guilty in 2008 in Florida to state criminal charges related to soliciting prostitution, with one charge related to a girl under the age of 18.
—
Lola Murti,dan Mangan, CNBC, 15 Feb. 2026
Over 20 years later, many of the girls who saw themselves in a 13-year-old Duff continue to relate to her as a 38-year-old married mom of four children.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 15 Feb. 2026
As noted, lupini beans are botanically related to peanuts and soybeans.
—Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 15 Feb. 2026
Echoes of Parkland BSO is familiar with high-profile firings — especially those related to an active-shooter situation.
—Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for relate to
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Lola Murti,dan Mangan, CNBC, 15 Feb. 2026
Over 20 years later, many of the girls who saw themselves in a 13-year-old Duff continue to relate to her as a 38-year-old married mom of four children.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 15 Feb. 2026
As noted, lupini beans are botanically related to peanuts and soybeans.
—Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 15 Feb. 2026
Echoes of Parkland BSO is familiar with high-profile firings — especially those related to an active-shooter situation.
—Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for relate to
Cite this Entry
“Relate to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relate%20to. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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