verb

relate

To tell a story or describe what happened.

He relates the story of their unexpected reunion.

Etymology

The Latin verb includes carrying back a report. Relate preserves that reporting function when someone tells the events of a story.

More examples

  • She related what had happened at the station.
  • The witness related the events in order.
  • He enjoys relating stories from his childhood.

Forms

relate · relates · related · relating

Similar words

recount
Tell events in sequence.
narrate
Tell a story, often with more structure.