R1. relate, relatable / reinforce / refer to / reap

1.1  relate

: If you relate a story, you tell it.

: to tell (something, such as a story)

 

ex) She relates her childhood experiences in the first chapters. 

ex) Can you relate a certain incident when you made a wrong decision?

ex) We listened eagerly as she related the whole exciting story.

 

 

1.2  relate

: to be able to understand a situation or someone's feelings because you have experienced something similar yourself:

: to understand and like or have sympathy for someone or something

ex) You must be feeling awful. I went through something similar myself last year, so I can relate.

ex) I often wake very early - I'm sure most readers over 50 can relate.

ex)
A: I hate Monday. I just feel down for no reason.
B: I can so relate to it.
ex) 

Alex: "I've been feeling really stressed about my final exams. It's like my mind just goes blank whenever I try to study."
Jordan: "I can totally relate, Alex. I had the same issue during my exams last semester. It's really tough."
Alex: "Exactly! It's like you understand exactly what I'm going through."

ex) I can really relate to what you're saying about starting a new job. It's always a mix of excitement and nerves.
ex) You love hiking in the mountains? I can relate to that, it's one of my favorite activities too!

 

1.3  relatable
: possible to understand because of being like something you have known, experienced, etc.

: that someone can understand or feel sympathy for:
: "Relatable" is an adjective used to describe something that can be related to, especially in terms of being understandable, approachable, or easy to connect with on a personal level. It often refers to situations, characters, emotions, or experiences that people find familiar or sympathetic because they mirror their own lives or feelings. 

ex) The show has likable characters in relatable situations. [=in situations that people can relate to]

ex) One of the reasons for her success is that the characters in her books are so relatable.

ex) Her story about juggling work and family life was so relatable. I've gone through the same struggles.

ex) The main character in that TV show is so relatable. He faces the same kind of everyday challenges that we all do.
ex) I saw a meme about being addicted to coffee, and it was incredibly relatable.
ex) This book is filled with relatable characters dealing with real-life issues. It's easy to see yourself in their shoes.
ex) Her feelings of excitement and nervousness about starting college were really relatable. I felt the same way when I was her age.
ex) The article about finding balance in life was very relatable. It addressed problems many of us are facing today.
ex)
Sam: "Did you read that new book everyone's talking about, 'Life at Crossroads'?"
Riley: "Yes, I finished it last week. The main character's journey was so relatable."
Sam: "Really? In what way?"
Riley: "Well, her struggles with choosing the right career path. I went through something similar right after college."
Sam: "I see. That does sound relatable. I guess that's why so many people are talking about it."
Riley: "Absolutely. It's not just a story; it's like a mirror of our own doubts and decisions."

 

 

 

2. reinforce

: if sth reinforces an idea or point of view, it provides more evidence or support for it.

 

ex) The list reinforced that the key to earning a high salary is having niche skills that cannot readily be found or replaced.

ex) Our prejudices are subtly reinforced in many different ways.

ex) This report reinforces that high pay continues to be tied to in-demand skills and higher education.

 

 

3. refer to

: to describe or be connected to sb/sth

 

ex) The term 'Arts' usually refers to humanities and social sciences.

ex) The term "visually handicapped" refers to students who have serious difficulties in seeing.

ex) Some are labeling the creation a new "superfood", which refers to nutrient-rich foods such as blueberries and kale.

ex) Employment with a public corporation is often referred to as a 'God-given job.'

 

 

4. reap

: to get (something, such as a reward) as a result of something that you have done

 

ex) She is now reaping the benefits/rewards of her hard work.

ex) She studied every evening and reaped the benefits at exam time.

ex) He reaped large profits from his investments.

ex) Many critics have argued that few U.S. exporters will reap significant benefits from agreements with such small markets as Morocco, Jordan, Bahrain, Singapore and Chile.

ex) Market opportunities reap the greatest economic benefits when they are pursued in alignment with the interests of American workers and innovators, manufacturers, farmers, ranchers, fishers, and underserved communities.

ex) You reap what you sow.

ex) As you sow, so shall you reap.