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relate

v.
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //ɹiˈɫeɪt// UK //ɹɪlˈeɪt// re·late Archaic General-service

v. to see or show a connection between two or more things. You can also use it to say you understand how someone feels because you have had a similar experience.

v. to establish or demonstrate a logical or causal connection between two entities; also used intransitively to indicate empathetic understanding based on shared experience.


SIMPLE

It is hard to relate these two different ideas.

CONTEXTUAL

Many teenagers find it difficult to relate to their parents because of the significant age gap and different life experiences.

COMPLEX

The study attempts to relate the recent increase in local temperatures to broader patterns of global climate change observed over the last century.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Latin relātus, perfect passive participle of referō (“carry back; report”), see -ate (verb-forming suffix). Doublet of refer. See also infer, collate and confer, delate and defer, as well as prefer and prelate among others.

Usage

When expressing empathy, the verb is intransitive and requires the preposition 'to'. When showing a connection, it is transitive and takes a direct object.

Pitfall

I can relate with your problemI can relate to your problemWhen expressing empathy or understanding, the verb must be followed by the preposition 'to', not 'with'.

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