relations: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
HighNeutral to formal. Commonly used in academic, diplomatic, business, and news contexts.
Quick answer
What does “relations” mean?
The way in which two or more people, groups, or countries behave toward, think about, and communicate with each other.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The way in which two or more people, groups, or countries behave toward, think about, and communicate with each other; also, the state of being connected or related.
In formal contexts like diplomacy and business, it refers to the professional management of connections between entities (e.g., public relations, international relations). In a personal context, it can be a euphemism for a romantic or sexual relationship.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use it similarly. 'Relations' is slightly more common in formal British contexts (e.g., 'industrial relations'). Americans may use 'relationship(s)' more frequently in personal contexts.
Connotations
In both, 'relations' in diplomacy suggests formal state interactions. In personal contexts, 'have relations with' can be a formal/old-fashioned or euphemistic way to refer to sexual intercourse.
Frequency
Comparably high frequency in both varieties within formal domains.
Grammar
How to Use “relations” in a Sentence
have relations with [entity]relations between [entity A] and [entity B]relations with [entity]relations are [adjective (e.g., strained, friendly)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “relations” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The two nations are seeking to normalise their relations.
- The firm relations with several key suppliers.
American English
- The two nations are seeking to normalize their relations.
- The company manages its investor relations carefully.
adjective
British English
- A relations officer was appointed to handle the dispute.
- The bilateral relations agreement was signed.
American English
- A relations manager was hired to improve client contact.
- The labor relations board will review the case.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to managing connections with clients, the public, or employees (e.g., investor relations, customer relations).
Academic
Used in social sciences to study connections between groups, nations, or variables.
Everyday
Less common in casual speech; 'relationship' is preferred for personal connections.
Technical
In databases, 'relations' refer to tables and their connections (relational database).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “relations”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “relations”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “relations”
- Using 'relation' (singular) for complex diplomatic or business interactions. Using 'relations' for a single, specific personal bond (better: 'relationship').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Relation' often refers to a specific type of connection or a relative. 'Relations' (plural) is used for formal/interconnected dealings between groups/nations. 'Relationship' is broader and more common for personal, emotional, or ongoing connections between people or things.
Yes, but it's formal or legal (e.g., 'next of kin and close relations'). In everyday talk, we say 'relatives' or 'family members'.
It's treated as a singular field or department (e.g., 'Public relations is her job'), but the word itself remains plural in form.
Yes, in formal contexts (e.g., 'We have trade relations with them'). In personal contexts, 'have relations with someone' is an old-fashioned or clinical euphemism for sexual intercourse, so it should be used with caution.
The way in which two or more people, groups, or countries behave toward, think about, and communicate with each other.
Relations is usually neutral to formal. commonly used in academic, diplomatic, business, and news contexts. in register.
Relations: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈleɪ.ʃənz/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈleɪ.ʃənz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “frosty relations”
- “mend fences (to improve relations)”
- “on speaking terms (a basic level of relations)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a network of RELATIVES. Just as family members are connected, 'relations' describes how any two parties are connected or interact.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELATIONS ARE BRIDGES (building bridges, burning bridges), RELATIONS ARE A BODY (strained, healthy).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'relations' LEAST likely to be used?