relationship

[ ri-ley-shuhn-ship ]

noun

1. a connection, association, or involvement.

   Synonyms: kinship, alliance, dependence

2. connection between persons by blood or marriage.

   Synonyms: consanguinity, affinity

3. an emotional or other connection between people:

   the relationship between teachers and students.

4. a sexual involvement; affair.

relationship

/ rɪˈleɪʃənʃɪp /

noun

1. the state of being connected or related
2. association by blood or marriage; kinship
3. the mutual dealings, connections, or feelings that exist between two parties, countries, people, etc

   a business relationship

4. an emotional or sexual affair or liaison
5. logic maths another name for relation

Other Words From

• prere·lation·ship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of relationship¹

First recorded in 1735–45; relation + -ship

Synonym Study

Relationship, kinship refer to connection with others by blood or by marriage. Relationship can be applied to connection either by birth or by marriage: relationship to a ruling family. Kinship generally denotes common descent and implies a more intimate connection than relationship: the ties and obligations of kinship.

Example Sentences

The 69-year-old Oscar winner and "Gladiator II" star reflected on his relationship with alcohol and substances in an interview with Esquire.

From Salon

In addition, obesity appeared to influence the relationship between type 2 diabetes and dementia.

From Science Daily

“It relies on a series of informal trusted relationships”.

From BBC

“It’s who’s controlling it; it really is a story about their relationship and their relationship with technology.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Over the years that I spent in Congress — 12 years that I spent in Congress — I have very significant Republican relationships.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accord
• affair
• communication
• contact
• exchange
• liaison
• link
• marriage
• rapport
• relation
• tie