noun

relation

rih-LAYSHN

noun

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."

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."

(mathematics) A set of ordered pairs or tuples linking elements of two or more sets.

"The function is defined as a relation between the input and output sets."

How to Use Relation

Learner’s notes

In 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

relations plural

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There is a clear _____ between diet and energy levels.

From Old French relacion, from Latin relatio, "a carrying back," from referre, "to relate" — built from re- ("back") plus ferre ("to carry").

member of one's family association bearing concern pertinence reference relevance correspondence

irrelation

concern order reference guise mention relevance pertain apathy

ion lion Zion Dion Sion union scion Orion Onion action minion bunion

member of one's family association bearing concern pertinence reference relevance correspondence irrelation order guise mention