relation
14 synonyms and 1 antonyms for relation, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The way in which two or more things are connected or associated with each other.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use relation
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French relacion, from Latin relatio, "a carrying back," from referre, "to relate" — built from re- ("back") plus ferre ("to carry").
Full origin of relation →Frequently asked questions
What does “relation” mean?
The word “relation” means the way in which two or more things are connected or associated with each other. In plain terms, a connection between things — or, in everyday speech, a family member.
How do you pronounce “relation”?
“Relation” is pronounced rih-LAYSHN (/ɹɪˈleɪʃ(ə)n/ in IPA).
How do you use “relation” in a sentence?
Here is “relation” used in a sentence: “There is a clear relation between diet and energy levels.”
What is another word for “relation”?
Words with a similar meaning to “relation” include member of one's family, association, bearing, concern, pertinence and reference.
What is the opposite of “relation”?
The opposite of “relation” — its antonyms — is irrelation.
What part of speech is “relation”?
“Relation” is a noun.
Where does the word “relation” come from?
The word “relation” comes from Latin. From Old French relacion, from Latin relatio, "a carrying back," from referre, "to relate" — built from re- ("back") plus ferre ("to carry").
Is “relation” a common word?
“Relation” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between 'relation' and 'relationship'?
'Relation' often describes an abstract connection or association between things, as in 'the relation between price and demand.' 'Relationship' more often refers to how people are connected, especially in an ongoing or emotional sense, as in 'a close relationship.'
What is the difference between a 'relation' and a 'relative' in family terms?
Both mean a member of your extended family, and they are largely interchangeable. 'Relative' is the more common word in everyday speech, while 'relation' can sound slightly more formal, as in 'a distant relation.'
Do you say 'relations' or 'relationships' between countries?
For dealings between nations, groups, or organisations, the standard word is 'relations,' as in 'diplomatic relations' or 'foreign relations.' 'Relationships' is reserved more for personal or one-to-one connections.