relationship

American  

[ri-ley-shuhn-ship] / rɪˈleɪ ʃənˌʃɪp /

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.

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relationship British  

/ 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

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Related Words

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.

Other Word Forms

• prerelationship noun

Etymology

Origin of relationship

First recorded in 1735–45; relation + -ship

Example Sentences

The longest-running fantasy on TV sunnily depicts the American commoner’s relationship with the ruling class, and vice versa.

From Salon

“We have strengthened our relationship with the U.S. Northern Command,” Trevilla said.

From The Wall Street Journal

But as his relationship with the Duterte family deteriorated, he changed his stance.

From BBC

Last year, several clubs were warned by the Gambling Commission over their relationship with unlicensed TGP Europe.

From BBC

“When these cars come in, I have relationships with them, and I hate to see them leave,” said Vera.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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