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.

---

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

---

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

His personal relationship with the new Archbishop of Canterbury could be a crucial part of how he views the place of faith in his life.

From BBC

Liberalization has opened the door to more casual relationships, but society is still catching up.

From The Wall Street Journal

Morgan joins a growing number of senior Labour figures openly discussing the UK's relationship with the EU.

From BBC

Postal Service, a relationship that has become rocky following a dispute over contract terms.

From The Wall Street Journal

Genetic analysis of family relationships adds another important layer.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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