What does relating mean?
Relating is a form of the verb relate that can function as an adjective or as a present participle. In the expression “relating to,” it means concerning, relevant to, or associated with a particular subject: for example, “rules relating to workplace safety.” When used as a participle, it describes the process of telling, connecting, or bringing one account into relation with another, as in “relating a personal experience to the wider debate.” The word is common in formal and informational contexts, particularly in academic, legal, governmental, and journalistic writing. Its usefulness lies in making relationships explicit: it identifies what a rule or discussion is about, or shows how an individual experience relates to a broader subject. In everyday conversation, people often choose more conversational alternatives such as “about” or “connecting.”
Concerning or connected with a particular subject or matter.
"The committee reviewed the regulations relating to public transport."
This use is normally expressed in the construction “relating to,” followed by a noun or noun phrase.
Telling, describing, or connecting something to another person, event, or subject.
"The historian is relating the policy decision to the economic conditions of the period."
This form is especially frequent in formal explanatory and historical writing.
The word “relating” carries the idea of a bridge: it can describe a connection between ideas, or the act of carrying one account toward another.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does relating come from?
The form comes from relate, which entered English in the early 16th century from French relater and ultimately Latin referre, meaning “to carry back.” Its sense developed from bringing a matter back or telling it to “relate” to a particular subject or person. The present-participle form “relating” was in use by the 18th century. Related forms such as relation and relative continue the same Latin foundation.
Related word forms
How relating is actually used
When used before a noun, “relating to” is usually followed by a noun or noun phrase and has a formal but standard register. The present-participle use is especially common in academic, journalistic, and explanatory writing.
Easily confused with relating
“Related” describes an established connection between people or things, whereas “relating to” introduces a subject or context that a statement concerns.