/ rɪˈleɪt; NAmE / verb
1.
[ vn ] relate A (to B) show or make a connection between two or more things
SYN connect :
I found it difficult to relate the two ideas in my mind.
In the future, pay increases will be related to productivity.
2.
relate sth (to sb) ( formal ) to give a spoken or written report of sth; to tell a story :
[ vn ]
She relates her childhood experiences in the first chapters.
He related the facts of the case to journalists.
[ v wh- ]
She related how he had run away from home as a boy.
[also v that ]
•
PHRASAL VERBS
- relate to sth/sb
••
WORD ORIGIN
mid 16th cent.: from Latin relat- brought back, from the verb referre carry back, from re- back + ferre bring.