interrelate

Interrelate is a verb meaning to relate to one another or to establish mutual relations among two or more elements, such as ideas, processes, or people. It emphasizes reciprocal connections and interdependencies rather than a simple one-way linkage, and it is commonly found in academic, scientific, and analytical writing.

Etymology traces interrelate to the prefix inter- meaning between or among, combined with relate. The term entered English in the 19th century and has since become a standard way to describe how elements influence and constrain each other within a system, theory, or network.

Usage notes indicate that interrelate can be intransitive, as in “the factors interrelate,” or transitive, as in “the concepts interrelate across domains.” It is also acceptable to say “interrelate with each other.” The word is often used when describing complex, non-linear, or multidirectional relationships where multiple components interact.

In related terminology, interrelation (the noun form) and interconnection refer to the existence of mutual or reciprocal relationships, while correlation and interaction describe statistical or causal connections and activities between entities, respectively. Interrelate is favored when the emphasis is on mutual dependence and the networked nature of relations.

See also: interrelation, interconnection, correlation, interaction.