relation
/rɪˈleɪʃ(ə)n
/noun
1The way in which two or more people or things are connected; a thing’s effect on or relevance to another: questions about the relation between writing and reality the size of the targets bore no relation to their importance...
- It may also be hard to see the relation between cause and effect.
- If, however, we adopt the second hypothesis, we have to inquire only as to the relation between cause and effect.
- What is the causal relation between the pattern of division and cell differentiation?
Synonyms
connection, relationship, association, link, correlation, correspondence, parallel, tie-in, tie-up, alliance, bond, interrelation, interconnection;
interdependence of
relevance, applicability, application, reference, pertinence, bearing on, regard
1.1 (relations) The way in which two or more people or groups feel about and behave towards each other: the improvement in relations between the two countries the meetings helped cement Anglo-American relations...
- I think that qualifies as a small step towards improved bilateral relations, don't you?
- Your wisdom and intuition take you towards better relations with people.
- We are all the same people, but our relations with each other have changed.
Synonyms
dealings, associations, communication, relationship, connections, contact, interaction, intercourse
1.2 (relations) formal Sexual intercourse: did you always have good, healthy relations with your wife?...
- Sexual relations with anyone but the legitimate spouse, as noted above, were and are still deemed illicit.
- Sexual relations between adult and child were seen as benefitting the child rather than gratifying the adult.
- Sexual relations have ceased after the death in infancy of their son some years before.
2A person who is connected by blood or marriage; a relative: he has no close relations...
- Had he not been his brother and his closest relation, he would have murdered him in cold blood.
- He is survived by his wife Tess, three sons and two daughters, family relations and a host of friends he made through the music business.
- The definition does not include your cousins or any relations by marriage.
Synonyms
relative, member of someone's/the family, one's (own) flesh and blood, next of kin;
(relations) family, kin, kith and kin, kindred
formal kinsman, kinswoman
3 [mass noun] The action of telling a story.She is calumniated by some people, who think the relation of this story to be a reflection....
- Their death lives on in the relation of this story.
Phrases
in relation to
Origin
Middle English: from Old French, or from Latin relatio(n-), from referre 'bring back' (see relate).