Relate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ช
relate
[rษชหleษชt ]
Definitions
in relationships
to make a connection between two or more things, especially in people's minds
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| relate |
Used when talking about making a personal or emotional connection with someone or something, often sharing similar experiences or feelings.
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| connect |
Used when describing the action of bringing two or more things together in a physical, logical, or emotional way.
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| associate |
Used when referring to the mental connection or relationship one makes between two things or when grouping items together based on a common feature.
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| link |
Used when describing a logical, figurative, or literal connection between two elements, suggesting a chain or sequence.
|
Examples of usage
- The two events are not related.
- I don't see how the two issues are related.
- Is he related to you in any way?
in families
to be connected by a family relationship
Synonyms
be connected, be kin, be related.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| relate |
Used to describe the act of making a connection between two things or telling a story.
|
| be connected |
Describes a physical or logical link between things, objects, or ideas.
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| be related |
Describes either a familial relationship or a non-physical connection between concepts or objects.
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| be kin |
Used to describe a familial relationship. This phrase is somewhat formal and less commonly used in everyday conversation.
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Examples of usage
- They are related through their mother's side.
- Are you related to the Smiths?
in stories
to show or prove a connection between two or more things
Synonyms
connect, relate back, tie together.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| relate |
Used when showing how one thing is connected to something else or when sharing personal experiences.
|
| connect |
Employed when linking two or more things together, often in a more physical or digital sense, but also can be emotional or logical links.
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| tie together |
Used when making different pieces of information or story elements blend or make sense as a whole.
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| relate back |
Applied when referencing or revisiting a previous point or topic.
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Examples of usage
- The twist at the end related all the characters in the story.
- The final episode related back to the pilot.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Relating to others can foster empathy, helping us to understand different perspectives and feelings.
- Researchers find that strong relational connections improve emotional well-being and reduce stress.
- In social psychology, the ability to relate is crucial for building interpersonal relationships and communication.
Pop Culture
- Many popular songs and movies center around themes of connection and relatability, tapping into shared human experiences.
- The concept is often explored in social media, where people seek to share relatable content to connect with others.
- Reality shows often thrive on relatability, showcasing everyday situations that viewers can identify with.
Literature
- In novels, characters often grow through relationships that reveal how they relate to each other, driving the plot forward.
- Literary themes such as love, friendship, and conflict often hinge on the charactersโ ability to relate to one another.
- Many authors use relatable narratives to engage readers, making them feel a part of the story.
Education
- In learning environments, teachers encourage students to relate new information to their own experiences for better understanding.
- Active learning techniques often emphasize relating concepts to real-life applications to enhance retention.
- Group discussions in classrooms emphasize the importance of relating to peers for collaborative learning.
Origin of 'relate'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'relatus', which means 'brought back or carried back', originally referring to telling a story.
- In Old French, it was 'relater', meaning to recount or tell a narrative.
- The evolution of the word reflects its shift from storytelling to understanding connections between ideas and experiences.
The word 'relate' originated from the Latin word 'relatus', which is the past participle of 'referre', meaning 'to bring back'. The word evolved through Old French and Middle English before taking its current form in modern English. Throughout its history, 'relate' has consistently been used to indicate connections, relationships, and associations.