interrelated

American  

[in-ter-ri-ley-tid] / ˌɪn tər rɪˈleɪ tɪd /

adjective

1. reciprocally or mutually related: relate.

   an interrelated series of experiments.

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Usage

What does interrelated mean? Interrelated is used to describe two or more things that are closely connected to each other and may affect each other. Interrelated is used in situations in which two or more elements strongly influence each other or are closely linked to each other. For example, a study on unemployment and crime in a particular area may conclude that they are interrelated. Describing two things as being interrelated does not necessarily mean that one causes the other or that they cause each other (though in some cases this may be true). The word interrelated is typically used in the discussion of complex topics, such as economics, science, and politics. These often involve situations in which multiple things are happening at the same time. Interrelated things can impact each other or work together to affect something else. For example, the economy is affected by many interrelated factors, such as employment, interest rates, and inflation. These and many other interrelated factors affect each other and determine the overall state of the economy. The verb interrelate means to be connected in an interrelated way or cause things to become connected in this way. Example: The strength of the hurricane depends on several interrelated factors, including temperature and air pressure.

Other Word Forms

• interrelatedly adverb
• interrelatedness noun

Etymology

Origin of interrelated

First recorded in 1820–30; inter- + related

Explanation

Interrelated things are connected — they compliment or depend on each other. Your mood and whether or not you ate breakfast this morning might be interrelated, for example. Most scientists agree that our minds and bodies are interrelated, since our emotions can affect our health, and physical injuries and illnesses can also affect our mood. Equally interrelated are issues of poverty and crime in major cities. Interrelated combines inter-, in Latin "between or among," and relate, which first meant only "recount or tell," but by the 1690s gained the meaning "bring something into relation with something else."

Example Sentences

Whatever the case, the Mayas’ circumstances and worldview no doubt informed their response to these interrelated pressures.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

The result of Murakami’s thinking about the cyclical, interrelated influence of art upon itself in different historical eras, spanning east to west and back again, can be seen on the white walls at Perrotin.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2026

And his military and internal security apparatus may not have the time or ability to address its growing and interrelated internal and external threats simultaneously.

From Salon • Jan. 11, 2026

It's an almost weekly occurrence because, since Rodri's injury, these two distinct but interrelated problems have infected every part of the pitch.

From BBC • Feb. 22, 2025

The strongest push continues to be into rural areas, where the need for clean water, schools, employment, and housing is interrelated with health care.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French

Related Words

• akin
• analogous
• associated
• complementary
• linked
• pertinent
• relevant
• similar