relatedness

[ri-ley-tid-nis]

noun

1. the state or condition of being associated or connected in content, purpose, effect, etc..

   The paper makes much of the relatedness between anthropology and folklore studies.

   These two committees often meet in the same week because of staffing efficiencies and the relatedness of the issues.

2. the quality, condition, or degree of being allied or linked by nature, origin, kinship, or an emotional or spiritual bond.

   DNA fingerprinting allows us to identify relatedness between individuals.

   Both theories emphasize the basic human need for relatedness that underlies interpersonal or social behavior.

Other Word Forms

• unrelatedness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of relatedness¹

First recorded in 1670–80; related ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )