# relate

> English word · Verb · IPA /ɹɪˈleɪt/ · frequency rank #4,792

## Definitions
1. To tell in a descriptive way.
2. To bring into a relation, association, or connection (between one thing and another).
3. To have a connection.
4. To interact.
5. To respond through reaction.
6. To identify with; to understand.
7. To bring back; to restore.

## Etymology
From Latin relātus, perfect passive participle of referō (“carry back; report”), see -ate (verb-forming suffix). Doublet of refer. See also infer, collate and confer, delate and defer, as well as prefer and prelate among others.

## Easily confused with
- **relax** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/relate-vs-relax)
- **relay** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/relate-vs-relay)
- **remote** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/relate-vs-remote)
- **remake** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/relate-vs-remake)
- **rotate** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/relate-vs-rotate)
- **resale** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/relate-vs-resale)
- **retake** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/relate-vs-retake)
- **relive** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/relate-vs-relive)
- **rename** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/relate-vs-rename)
- **remade** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/relate-vs-remade)
- **Renata** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/relate-vs-renata)
- **repute** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/relate-vs-repute)
- **related** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/relate-vs-related)
- **release** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/relate-vs-release)
- **replace** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/relate-vs-replace)
- **relaxed** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/relate-vs-relaxed)
- **relayed** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/relate-vs-relayed)
- **replete** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/relate-vs-replete)
- **relative** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/relate-vs-relative)
- **relocate** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/relate-vs-relocate)

## Common misspellings (8)
`erlate`, `realte`, `relaet`, `relatte`, `rellate`, `reltae`, `rleate`, `rrelate`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/relate