third-person singular verb
Connects one thing with another, especially in an idea or explanation.
The study relates poor sleep to stress.
The report relates the delay to a lack of funding.
American English
How to pronounce relates
verbB1Very common word
rihLAYTS
/ɹɪˈleɪts/
2 syllables · Stress the second syllable.
Form of relate
Connects one thing with another, especially in an idea or explanation.
What to listen for
“Relates” is commonly pronounced /ɹɪˈleɪts/. You may also hear the common alternate /ɹiˈleɪts/.
Common pronunciation/ɹɪˈleɪts/
Common alternate/ɹiˈleɪts/
Meanings & examples
third-person singular verb
Is about or connected with a subject, person, or situation.
The new rule relates to all visitors.
This question relates to our earlier discussion.
third-person singular verb
Understands someone's feelings or experience because it has had something similar.
She relates to people who feel anxious in new situations.
He relates to what his daughter is going through.
third-person singular verb
Tells a story or describes events in order.
The witness relates what happened in detail.
The article relates the events of the rescue.
Useful expressions
Understand and share someone's feelings or experience.
I really relate to her story.
Be connected with something or be a member of the same family as someone.
Are you related to the owner?
Related words & forms
The final e is dropped before -ing: relating, not relateing.