relationship
Pluralrelationships
- 1The way two or more people treat and connect with each other.
Like a bridge that connects two people so they can reach each other.
Their relationship as coworkers was friendly and easy.
Teachers and students build relationships over the school year.
UsageUsually a relationship between people, or a relationship with one person.
Note
- 2A romantic or sexual connection between two people.
Like two people walking the same path together as a couple.
They have been in a relationship for two years.
She ended the relationship after they grew apart.
UsageIn a relationship on its own means two people are a couple.
- 3The way two or more things are connected, or how one changes when another does.
Like a string tying two ideas together so they affect each other.
Scientists found a relationship between sugar and tooth decay.
There is a close relationship between rain and plant growth.
UsageUsually a relationship between one thing and another.
Less common meaning
- 4A family connection through blood or marriage.
Like branches that all grow from the same family tree.
Their relationship is that of uncle and niece.
Marriage created a new relationship between the two families.
UsageUsually your relationship to a person, like your relationship to your aunt.
Similarkinship
Practice
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Origin
From the word 'relation' plus the ending '-ship'.
Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 1 fact
- Relationship is formed from relation plus the suffix -ship. en.wiktionary.org