Relate

Relate

Verb · /rɪˈleɪt/ · to make or show a connection; to tell or narrate; to feel a personal connection with something

Definition

To relate means to connect — two ideas, two facts, two people, or a story to its audience. You relate a cause to an effect. You relate an experience by telling it. You relate to someone when you feel you understand them personally. The word covers three distinct but linked ideas: logical connection, narration, and emotional empathy.

Origin

From Latin relatus, past participle of referre — re- (back) + ferre (to carry). To relate is literally to carry something back — to bring facts, stories, or connections back to a point of reference. It entered English in the 16th century in its narrative sense first, then developed the logical and emotional senses that make it so versatile today.