relationship
C2Neutral to Formal
Definition
Meaning
The way in which two or more people, groups, or things are connected, or the state of being connected.
A romantic or intimate connection between two people; an emotional and/or sexual bond. Also used to describe the connections between concepts, variables, or entities in fields like mathematics, science, and business.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word is often used to imply a degree of complexity, reciprocity, and/or ongoing interaction between the entities involved. In its core sense, it is neutral; when referring to people, it often carries an emotional valence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning. In UK English, 'relationship' when unmodified can strongly imply a romantic involvement (e.g., 'They are in a relationship'). In US English, this is also true, but the word may be slightly more readily used in a broader sense. The term 'relations' is used in more formal/official contexts in both varieties (e.g., 'diplomatic relations', 'industrial relations').
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes an ongoing, dynamic connection rather than a one-off transaction. In personal contexts, it heavily implies emotional involvement.
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in both varieties, with no notable divergence.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
have a relationship with someonebe in a relationship with someonethe relationship between X and Yenter into a relationshipVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A love-hate relationship”
- “On-again, off-again relationship”
- “It's complicated (referring to relationship status)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to professional connections, e.g., client relationships, supplier relationships, B2B (business-to-business) relationships.
Academic
Used to describe correlations or causal links between variables, e.g., 'The study examines the relationship between stress and productivity.'
Everyday
Primarily refers to interpersonal connections, especially romantic ones, e.g., family relationships, friendships, dating.
Technical
In databases, it describes how tables link; in mathematics, it describes a set of ordered pairs.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- 'To relationship' is not a standard verb. Use 'relate to' or 'form a relationship with'.
- They are trying to relationship-build with the new clients. (Informal/Nouns used as verbs)
American English
- 'To relationship' is not a standard verb. Use 'relate to' or 'form a relationship with'.
- The therapist helped them relationship more effectively. (Informal/Nouns used as verbs)
adverb
British English
- 'Relationship-wise, things are good.' (Very informal, compound adverb)
- They are relationship-wise incompatible.
American English
- 'Relationship-wise, things are good.' (Very informal, compound adverb)
- They are relationship-wise incompatible.
adjective
British English
- relationship advice
- relationship goals
- relationship counsellor
American English
- relationship advice
- relationship goals
- relationship counselor
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have a good relationship with my sister.
- What is your relationship with Anna? Are you friends?
- The relationship between diet and health is very important.
- They have been in a relationship for two years.
- Managing the client relationship requires good communication skills.
- There's a direct relationship between practice and improvement in any skill.
- The symbiotic relationship between the two organisms is a fascinating case of coevolution.
- Her research deconstructs the complex relationship between gender, power, and language in media discourses.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'RELATION' (a person connected by blood/marriage) + 'SHIP' (a state or condition, like 'friendship'). So, it's the 'state of being a relation or connected'.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELATIONSHIPS ARE JOURNEYS ('We've come a long way.', 'Our relationship is at a crossroads.'), RELATIONSHIPS ARE BUILDINGS ('We built a strong foundation.', 'Their marriage is crumbling.'), RELATIONSHIPS ARE PLANTS ('Their friendship blossomed.', 'A nurturing environment.')
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of Russian 'отношения' (otnosheniya) in all contexts. In Russian, 'отношения' is used more broadly for 'relations' (e.g., международные отношения). In English, 'relationship' is singular and countable, referring to a specific connection. For official/state relations, use 'relations'. For describing how one thing relates to another in a general sense, 'relationship' is correct.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'relation' as a countable noun synonym for 'relationship' (incorrect: *'I have a good relation with him.' Correct: '...good relationship.'). Using plural 'relationships' when a singular is meant (incorrect: *'The relationships between price and demand is complex.' Correct: 'The relationship...is.'). Confusing 'relationship' with 'relations' in formal/political contexts.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is the word 'relationship' used INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Relationship' is a countable noun describing a specific connection between parties (a relationship). 'Relation' is usually uncountable and more abstract, referring to the way things are connected (in relation to), or used in fixed phrases like 'public relations'. For family members, use 'relative' or 'relations'.
No. While commonly used for romantic connections, it applies to any meaningful connection between people, groups, or concepts (e.g., business relationship, causal relationship). Context clarifies the meaning.
It can sound formal or old-fashioned (e.g., 'sexual relations', 'foreign relations'). For modern, interpersonal contexts (friends, family, partners), 'relationships' is the standard term. 'Relations' often implies a more formal or transactional connection.
Yes, but with different structures. Use 'relationship between A and B'. Use 'relationship with someone/something'. Use 'relationship to' to show relevance or how one thing pertains to another (e.g., 'What is your relationship to the applicant?').
Collections
Part of a collection
Relationships
B1 · 49 words · Vocabulary for interpersonal and social connections.