What does the phrasal verb “relate to” mean?

What are the definitions of “relate to”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. To understand and connect with someone or something.

  Martin had always found it easier to relate to women.

• 2. To understand or connect with something.

  The programme deals with scientific subjects that ordinary people can relate to.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “relate to”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb relate to is to understand and connect with someone or something. It means that you can empathize with someone's feelings or experiences, or you can understand a topic or situation.

What are the different verb forms of “relate to”?

Root Verb	relate to
Third Person Singular Present	relates to
Present Participle	relating to
Simple Past	related to
Past Participle	related to

Example

I can relate to your feelings of frustration.

Example

She relates to her sister's struggles with school.

Example

He is relating to the challenges faced by the team.

Example

They related to the story of the main character in the movie.

Example

The issues we discussed have been related to by many people.

What kind of phrasal verb is “relate to”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Intransitive verb

“relate to” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.

Example

I can relate to your situation.

Example

She relates to the challenges faced by her friends.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“relate to” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

I can relate to your situation.

Example

She relates to the challenges faced by her friends.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “relate to”?

Relate to someone

To understand and connect with someone on a personal level.

Example

I find it easy to relate to my coworkers because we share similar experiences.

Relate to something

To understand and connect with a topic, situation, or experience.

Example

Many people can relate to the stress of starting a new job.

Relate to a story

To understand and connect with the events or characters in a story, movie, or book.

Example

The audience could relate to the main character's journey of self-discovery.

Good things to know

Does “relate to” have an informal or formal tone?

Relate to is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as academic discussions or professional meetings.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “relate to”?

Synonyms

• understand
• comprehend
• grasp
• appreciate
• connect with
• empathize with
• identify with
• sympathize with

Antonyms

• misunderstand
• disconnect
• alienate
• disassociate
• separate
• diverge
• disagree
• conflict