relation
rih-LAYSHN
Relation (noun) means the way in which two or more things are connected or associated with each other. Example: “There is a clear relation between diet and energy levels.”
noun
1
The way in which two or more things are connected or associated with each other.
"There is a clear relation between diet and energy levels."
"The report looks at the relation between rainfall and crop yields."
"Is there any relation between how much you sleep and how happy you feel?"
2
A member of your extended family; a relative.
"Half the guests at the wedding were relations of the bride."
"She only sees that side of the family at funerals and relations' birthdays."
"My grandmother has relations in Scotland whom I have never met."
3
(mathematics) A set of ordered pairs or tuples linking elements of two or more sets.
"In this relation, each student number is paired with exactly one class code."
"A relation on the integers can be written out as a list of ordered pairs."
"The function is defined as a relation between the input and output sets."
How to use relation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA connection between things — or, in everyday speech, a family member.
Common mistake
In everyday use "relation" (family member) is slightly more formal/old-fashioned than "relative" — most speakers now say "relative."
Common pairings
in relation to
a close relation
the relation between X and Y
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Word forms
- Plural
- relations
Fill the gap
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There is a clear _____ between diet and energy levels.
Etymology
From Old French relacion, from Latin relatio, "a carrying back," from referre, "to relate" — built from re- ("back") plus ferre ("to carry").
Synonyms
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connection
link
kinship
relative
tie
kinsman
member of one's family
association
bearing
concern
pertinence
reference
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for relation
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for 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.
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