relationship
rih-LAYSHN-shihp
Relationship (noun) means the way two or more people or things are connected, or the connection itself. Example: “They have a good working relationship despite disagreeing often.”
noun
1
The way two or more people or things are connected, or the connection itself.
"They have a good working relationship despite disagreeing often."
"Scientists are studying the relationship between sleep and memory."
"There is a clear relationship between regular exercise and a good mood."
2
A romantic or sexual partnership between two people.
"They've been in a relationship for almost three years."
"Their relationship ended kindly, and they remain on good terms."
"He was nervous about starting a new relationship so soon after moving."
3
Kinship; the state of being related by blood or marriage.
"Her relationship to the family was through her grandmother."
"I'm not sure of our exact relationship, but she is some kind of cousin."
"The form asks for your relationship to the patient, such as sister or uncle."
How to use relationship
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHow two people, groups, or things are connected — including, very commonly, a romantic partnership.
Common pairings
long-term relationship
working relationship
end a relationship
relationship with someone
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Word forms
- Plural
- relationships
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They have a good working _____ despite disagreeing often.
Etymology
From relation plus the suffix -ship, which traces back to Old English -scipe, meaning "state" or "condition."
Synonyms
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connection
bond
association
link
tie
rapport
relation
affiliation
kinship
human relationship
family relationship
Related words
Rhymes for relationship
See all rhymes for relationship →Frequently asked questions
What does “relationship” mean?
The word “relationship” means the way two or more people or things are connected, or the connection itself. In plain terms, how two people, groups, or things are connected — including, very commonly, a romantic partnership.
How do you pronounce “relationship”?
“Relationship” is pronounced rih-LAYSHN-shihp (/ɹɪˈleɪʃ(ə)nˌʃɪp/ in IPA).
How do you use “relationship” in a sentence?
Here is “relationship” used in a sentence: “They have a good working relationship despite disagreeing often.”
What part of speech is “relationship”?
“Relationship” is a noun.
Where does the word “relationship” come from?
The word “relationship” comes from Old English. From relation plus the suffix -ship, which traces back to Old English -scipe, meaning "state" or "condition.".
Is “relationship” a common word?
“Relationship” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “relationship” have?
“Relationship” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the way two or more people or things are connected, or the connection itself.
What are the types of relationships?
Relationships come in many forms: family ties, friendships, romantic partnerships, and professional or working connections. They can be close or distant, formal or casual, brief or lifelong. The word also covers links between things, not just people — such as the relationship between cause and effect, or between price and demand.
What is the difference between a relationship and a relation?
The two overlap, but usage differs. Relationship usually describes the ongoing bond or connection between people or things — how they relate over time. Relation can mean that connection more abstractly ('the relation between the figures') or refer to a family member ('a distant relation'). Relationship feels more personal and continuous.
What makes a healthy relationship?
A healthy relationship between people usually rests on trust, honest communication, mutual respect, and support. Both sides feel heard and valued, and differences are handled without cruelty. Because a relationship is a two-way connection, it stays strong only when both people put effort into maintaining it.
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