ENGLISH
REFERENCE

relates

v.
B1 Intermediate US //ɹiˈɫeɪts// UK //ɹɪlˈeɪts// re·lates

v. to show or find a connection between two or more things. You can also use it to say you understand someone's feelings because you have felt the same way.

v. to establish or demonstrate a logical or causal connection between two entities. In a psychological context, it describes the ability to empathise with or understand another person's perspective.


SIMPLE

She relates the success of the shop to its great location.

CONTEXTUAL

The study relates high levels of stress to a lack of sleep among office workers.

COMPLEX

The author relates the protagonist's internal struggle to the broader social changes of the era, creating a narrative that functions on both a personal and political level.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

Often used with the preposition 'to'. When used to mean 'understand', it is typically intransitive.

Pitfall

I can relate with your problemI can relate to your problemWhen expressing empathy or understanding, the verb takes the preposition 'to', not 'with'.

© 2026 English Reference