VocabDictionary

relatable

/ˈrɪl.eɪ.tə.bəl/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.adjective

Easily understood or identified with because of having qualities or experiences that are similar to one's own.

Example Sentences:
  • The comedian's jokes about the struggles of modern dating were incredibly relatable to the audience.
  • She created a relatable protagonist who makes mistakes just like any ordinary person.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “relatable”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the verb 'relate' (from Latin 'relatus', past participle of 'referre', meaning 'to bring back') combined with the suffix '-able' (capable of). While 'relate' has existed in English since the 16th century, the adjective 'relatable' did not gain widespread usage until the mid-20th century, eventually exploding in popularity in the 21st century to describe experiences or characters that evoke a sense of shared humanity.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

RE-LATE-ABLE: If you can RE-LATE to someone, you are ABLE to understand their story because it feels like your own.

Frequently Asked Questions About “relatable

1. What is the meaning of “relatable” in English?

In English, relatable (adjective) is defined as: “Easily understood or identified with because of having qualities or experiences that are similar to one's own.”.

2. How do you use “relatable” in a sentence?

The comedian's jokes about the struggles of modern dating were incredibly relatable to the audience.

3. What are English synonyms of “relatable”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “relatable”?

Derived from the verb 'relate' (from Latin 'relatus', past participle of 'referre', meaning 'to bring back') combined with the suffix '-able' (capable of). While 'relate' has existed in English since the 16th century, the adjective 'relatable' did not gain widespread usage until the mid-20th century, eventually exploding in popularity in the 21st century to describe experiences or characters that evoke a sense of shared humanity.