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
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
See All Example Sentences for relate to
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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
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 3 Jun. 2025.
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