v.
Pronunciation: ri- ' l ā t
Function: verb
Inflected Form: re · lat · ed ; re · lat · ing
Etymology: Latin relatus (pp. of referre to carry back), from re- + latus, past participle of ferre to carry ― more at TOLERATE , BEAR
Date: 15th century
transitive verb
1 : to give an account of : TELL
2 : to show or establish logical or causal connection between <seeks to relate crime to poverty>
intransitive verb
1 : to apply or take effect retroactively ― usually used with back <the law relate s back to the initial date of decision>
2 : to have relationship or connection <the readings relate to his lectures>
3 : to have or establish a relationship : INTERACT <the way a child relate s to a teacher>
4 : to respond especially favorably <can't relate to that kind of music>
– re · lat · able \ - ' l ā -t ə -b ə l \ adjective
– re · lat · er or re · la · tor \ - ' l ā -t ə r \ noun