noun
relation
rih-LAY-shun/rɪˈleɪʃn/
A connection linking people or things.
These interlocked chain links illustrate a relation between two things.
Etymology
The image of “bringing back” also underlies reporting or referring. In the selected sense, relation is abstract: it names the connection or correspondence in which one person, thing, or idea stands to another.
In context
… property is a relationship of exclusive control, a legally recognized ownership relation between a human actor and some scarce resource …
More examples
- The study explores the relation between sleep and memory.
- Relations between the two neighbors remain friendly.
- The apartment is expensive in relation to its size.
Forms
relation · relations
relate verb — To show or establish a connection.
relational adjective — Concerning connections between people or things.
Similar words
- relationship
- Often suggests an ongoing connection, especially between people.
- connection
- More natural for physical attachments and everyday personal ties.
- link
- Often identifies a specific tie joining two things.