What does relatable mean?
Relatable describes something that people can readily understand, recognize, or feel emotionally connected to. It is especially common when discussing stories, characters, jokes, songs, films, and personal experiences. Saying that a character is relatable often means that their thoughts or circumstances seem familiar and could apply to the listener or reader as well. The word can also be used more broadly for material that presents ideas in an accessible or relatable form. Its strong sense is not that something is objectively simple, but that it creates a bridge between the content and an audience's own thoughts, experiences, or feelings. Relatable is therefore a useful word when discussing connection and communication rather than literal family relationships.
adjectiveCapable of being understood or appreciated by a particular person or group; easy to connect with emotionally or personally.
- Easy for someone to understand, appreciate, or emotionally connect with.
- Able to be compared or connected in a meaningful way; suitable for relation.
"Her story about overcoming uncertainty felt deeply relatable to many readers."
"The comedian's observations about family life were both funny and relatable."
"The film's central conflict is universally relatable because it explores the fear of starting over."
Relatable is the word we reach for when a story feels as if it could be about us—even when its characters and setting are entirely imaginary.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does relatable come from?
Relatable was formed in the 19th century from the English word relate, meaning to connect or tell, together with the suffix -able, meaning capable of being. The underlying verb relate comes from Latin referre, used in the sense of bring back or carry back and later to tell or narrate. Related forms include relation, relative, and correlate, which also trace to Latin referre.
Related word forms
How relatable is actually used
Relatable is common in informal and semi-formal speech, especially when describing characters, stories, experiences, or artistic works. It usually suggests an emotional or personal connection rather than merely being easy to understand.
Easily confused with relatable
Related means connected or associated with something, whereas relatable describes something people can understand or emotionally connect with.
Reliable means dependable or trustworthy, whereas relatable concerns ease of understanding or personal connection.