WordGarden.iorelation
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /rɪlˈeɪʃən/
US
- /riˈleɪʃən/
Meanings
Noun
a connection or correspondence between things, ideas, events, or quantities
the way people, groups, or countries deal with one another
a member of your family or wider kin group
More meaningsFewer meanings
a defined correspondence between elements or quantities, especially in mathematics or logic
Beyond the definition
A relation is the way two or more things are connected, or the way they affect each other. Think of the bond between a mother and child, the link between cause and effect, or the connection between clues in a detective story. It can also mean a family member, especially in more formal English.
You may also see it in set phrases like in relation to, which means "about" or "connected with," and bear no relation to, which means two things do not seem connected at all. In math, it also has a special meaning for how numbers or sets are linked, but in everyday English, it usually just means a clear connection between people, ideas, or events.
The word "relation" describes a connection or association between things—it's about how they are linked together. This link isn't always obvious; it can be subtle, complex, or even hidden. For example, the relation between a plant and sunlight is one of dependence—the plant needs light to grow. The relation between two countries might be defined by trade agreements, political alliances, or historical conflicts.
"Relation" has several different shades of meaning. It is commonly used to describe the nature of a connection: "The relation between the two variables is linear." It also serves as a formal term for kinship; a "relation" is a person to whom you are related by blood or marriage. You might say, "He is a distant relation of mine," meaning he is a relative.
In mathematics, a relation defines how elements are connected within a set. In business, you might talk about public relations or employee relations, focusing on the quality and management of those connections.
The word can also be used to describe relevance: "What is the relation between this evidence and the suspect's alibi?" This asks how the two things connect in a meaningful way. In formal use, a relation can also mean a family member, and relations can refer to dealings between people, groups, or countries. In some contexts, especially older or formal ones, relations can also mean sexual intercourse. Historically, "relation" was also used to mean the act of telling a story or giving an account of events. While that meaning is less common today, you may still see it in formal writing or older literature.
So whether you're describing family bonds, mathematical connections, business partnerships, or the way things influence each other—if there is a link between them, there is a relation. It's all about understanding how things connect and interact.
Examples
- 1
Research findings
Researchers found a strong relation between stress and poor sleep.
- 2
Chart comparison
The chart shows the relation between age and income.
- 3
Formal reference
In relation to your earlier question, the meeting has been moved to Friday.
- Usagein relation to
about; formal
- 4
No connection
What he said bears no relation to the facts.
- Phrasebear no relation to
have no clear connection with
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
International relations
Relations between the two countries improved after the peace talks.
- 6
Family member
She’s a relation of my father’s, but I’ve only met her twice.
- Usagea relation
a family member; somewhat formal
- 7
Academic discussion
The essay discusses the relation of art to politics.
- Patternthe relation of A to B
the connection between A and B
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- in relation to
- bear a relation to
- causal relation
- close relation between
Word family
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Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- relationnoun
Forms
- relationspluralnoun