relations
relations Lexical Profile
relations Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The way in which two or more people, groups, or countries talk to, behave toward, and deal with each other.
"Diplomatic relations between the two neighboring countries have improved significantly over the past decade."
People who are connected by blood or marriage; members of the same family.
"All of her close relations gathered at the countryside estate to celebrate her fiftieth birthday."
The logical, causal, or structural connections existing between different things, concepts, or variables.
"The study examines the complex relations between socioeconomic status and educational attainment."
Word Nuance & Usage
When used in the plural form 'relations', the word typically denotes official, diplomatic, or institutional interactions between groups or nations (e.g., 'foreign relations'), whereas 'relationships' is preferred for personal, emotional connections between individuals. In formal or legal contexts, 'having relations' is also a common euphemism for sexual intercourse.
• Rhymes for relations
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from Old French 'relacion' and Latin 'relatio' (a bringing back, restoring, or report), from 'relatus', used as the past participle of 'referre' (to carry back).