meaningful relationship: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
HighFormal, Semi-formal, Informal (context-dependent)
Quick answer
What does “meaningful relationship” mean?
An interpersonal connection characterized by deep mutual understanding, emotional significance, and often commitment, which provides a sense of purpose or fulfillment.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An interpersonal connection characterized by deep mutual understanding, emotional significance, and often commitment, which provides a sense of purpose or fulfillment.
A bond between people (e.g., romantic partners, close friends, family members) that involves trust, shared values, genuine communication, and mutual investment in each other's well-being over time. It can also refer to significant professional connections or a satisfying connection between a person and their work or community.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The term is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more frequent in therapeutic, counselling, and self-help contexts in American English. In British English, it may appear slightly more often in formal or academic sociological contexts.
Frequency
Very high frequency in both varieties, with near-identical usage patterns.
Grammar
How to Use “meaningful relationship” in a Sentence
[Subject] has a meaningful relationship with [Object].[Subject] is in a meaningful relationship.A meaningful relationship between [X] and [Y].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “meaningful relationship” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They worked to meaningfully relate to each other.
- The therapy aims to help clients relationship more meaningfully.
American English
- They worked to relate in a more meaningful way.
- The goal is to connect meaningfully.
adverb
British English
- They connected meaningfully at the retreat.
- He contributed meaningfully to the discussion.
American English
- They engaged meaningfully with the community.
- She listened meaningfully to his concerns.
adjective
British English
- They shared a meaningful relationship for decades.
- She gave him a meaningful look during the meeting.
American English
- They had a meaningful relationship that lasted for years.
- His feedback was meaningful and helpful.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe trust-based, long-term partnerships with clients or colleagues that go beyond contracts. (e.g., 'Our firm prioritises meaningful relationships with key stakeholders.')
Academic
Frequently used in psychology, sociology, and philosophy to analyze the components and impacts of human connection. (e.g., 'The study examines correlates of meaningful relationships in late adulthood.')
Everyday
Commonly used in personal conversations about friendships, family, and romance. (e.g., 'After years of dating, I'm finally ready for a meaningful relationship.')
Technical
In therapy/counselling, a specific goal or marker of mental health. (e.g., 'The client expressed a desire to build more meaningful relationships.')
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “meaningful relationship”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “meaningful relationship”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “meaningful relationship”
- Using 'meaningful' to describe short-term or purely practical connections (incorrect).
- Confusing with 'serious relationship', which primarily implies romantic commitment but not necessarily depth.
- Overusing the term, diluting its impact (e.g., calling a friendly chat a 'meaningful relationship').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, it implies some duration and development, but an intense, deep connection formed quickly could be described as meaningful. However, the term strongly suggests sustained significance.
No, it applies broadly to friendships, family bonds, mentor-mentee dynamics, and even deep professional partnerships. The core is emotional depth and significance, not romance.
'Close' emphasizes emotional intimacy and frequency of contact. 'Meaningful' adds a layer of perceived purpose, value, and impact on one's life. A relationship can be close but not feel meaningful, and vice versa.
It is somewhat emphatic but not redundant. 'Meaningful' already implies depth, so 'deeply' serves as an intensifier, which is common in natural speech for emphasis.
An interpersonal connection characterized by deep mutual understanding, emotional significance, and often commitment, which provides a sense of purpose or fulfillment.
Meaningful relationship is usually formal, semi-formal, informal (context-dependent) in register.
Meaningful relationship: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmiːnɪŋfʊl rɪˈleɪʃ(ə)nʃɪp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈminɪŋfəl rɪˈleɪʃənˌʃɪp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A meeting of minds”
- “A bond that runs deep”
- “To be on the same wavelength (contextual)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Meaning-FULL' – a relationship that is FULL of meaning, not empty or shallow.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELATIONSHIPS ARE CONSTRUCTIONS (build, forge, cultivate), RELATIONSHIPS ARE JOURNEYS (develop, navigate, long-term), DEPTH IS SIGNIFICANCE (deep relationship, shallow acquaintance).
Practice
Quiz
In an academic context, 'meaningful relationship' is LEAST likely to be used to describe: