relation

relation — noun

1. the patterns of feeling, behaviour, and communication that develop when individu

1.nounB1
Definition

the patterns of feeling, behaviour, and communication that develop when individuals, organisations, or nations interact with one another

Example

The relation between the two countries has grown warmer since the trade deal.

relation between [two parties] for connection

Beatrix has built a strong working relation with her new team members.

build a working relation with [someone]

Common collocations
  • build relations
  • improve relations
  • diplomatic relations
  • race relations
  • public relations
  • working relation
  • strained relations
  • relations with
  • relations between
Synonyms
  • relationship

    more common for personal bonds; softer, everyday tone

  • connection

    broader; can be social, logical, or physical

  • rapport

    implies mutual understanding and trust; more specific

  • dealings

    focuses on practical interactions rather than feelings

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

relation between [two parties]

relation with [someone]

Usage Note

Often used in the plural form 'relations' when referring to the general state of connection between groups, countries, or institutions. 'Relation' in the singular usually refers to a single person-to-person connection.

Common Mistakes

I have a good relation with my sister.
I have a good relationship with my sister.
'Relationship' sounds more natural for close personal bonds; 'relation' is more formal and often used for professional or group connections.

2. a meaningful tie linking several items, ideas, or events — such as how regular e

2.nounB2
Definition

a meaningful tie linking several items, ideas, or events — such as how regular exercise relates to sleep quality, or how rising prices connect to higher demand

Example

Researchers found a clear relation between sleep quality and memory performance.

relation between X and Y

The study examined the relation of diet to heart disease in older adults.

relation of X to Y

Common collocations
  • close relation
  • direct relation
  • causal relation
  • bear a relation to
  • bear no relation to
  • in relation to
  • relation between
  • relation of
Synonyms
  • connection

    more everyday term; slightly less formal

  • link

    suggests a direct, often causal tie

  • correlation

    specifically a statistical or measurable relationship

  • association

    suggests a connection that may or may not be causal

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

relation between [thing A] and [thing B]

relation to [something]

Usage Note

The phrase 'bear a relation to' (or 'bear no relation to') is a common fixed expression for stating that two things are connected (or not connected). Frequently used in academic and analytical writing.

Common Mistakes

This has relation to that problem.
This has a relation to that problem.' or 'This bears a relation to that problem.
'Relation' in this sense usually requires an article ('a', 'the') or a determiner like 'no', 'some', 'little'.

3. used when talking about how one thing is connected to or compared with another —

3.nounB1
Definition

used when talking about how one thing is connected to or compared with another — for example, discussing a policy in relation to its cost, or judging a building's height in relation to nearby structures

Example

The committee reviewed the new policy in relation to its environmental impact.

in relation to [topic]

Mayumi's salary seems low in relation to the amount of work she does.

Common collocations
  • in relation to
  • with relation to
  • questions in relation to
  • discuss in relation to
Synonyms
  • regarding

    more concise; common in business writing

  • concerning

    directly replaces 'in relation to'; similar formality

  • with respect to

    equally formal; slightly more academic

  • about

    everyday alternative; less formal but widely used

Grammar Patterns

in relation to [something]

with relation to [something]

Usage Note

This sense only occurs in the fixed phrases 'in relation to' and (less commonly) 'with relation to'. It functions like a preposition, similar to 'regarding' or 'concerning'. Common in formal writing, business communication, and academic contexts.

Common Mistakes

Relation to this issue, we need more data.
In relation to this issue, we need more data.
Do not drop 'in'; the phrase requires 'in relation to' as a three-word unit.

4. a person who shares a common family background with someone else, connected eith

4.nounB1
Definition

a person who shares a common family background with someone else, connected either by blood ties or through marriage

Example

All of Alessia's close relations flew in for the family reunion.

close relations for family members

Jin discovered he is a distant relation of a famous writer from the 1800s.

Common collocations
  • close relation
  • distant relation
  • immediate relation
  • blood relation
  • relation by marriage
Synonyms
  • relative

    more common in everyday speech; same meaning

  • family member

    neutral and clear; works in all contexts

  • kin

    old-fashioned or literary; rarely used in conversation

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

relation of [someone]

distant/close relation

Usage Note

'Relation' is slightly more formal than 'relative' in everyday conversation, though both are common. 'Immediate relations' refers to parents, siblings, spouse, and children. 'Distant relation' refers to someone not in your immediate family line.

Common Mistakes

She is a relation of my mother.
She is a relation of my mother's.
Use the possessive form ('my mother's') rather than 'of my mother' when saying who someone is related to.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four words describe links between people or groups, but they differ in scope and tone. 'Relationship' is the broadest and most personal — it covers everything from a romantic bond ('their relationship lasted ten years') to a professional tie ('a good working relationship'). 'Relation' (sense 1) is more formal and often used in institutional or group contexts ('diplomatic relations', 'race relations'). 'Connection' is the most neutral of the four; it can refer to social networks ('She has connections in the film industry') or logical links. 'Rapport' is the most specific word of this group: it suggests mutual trust and understanding, usually built over time ('The teacher quickly established a rapport with her students'). 'Dealings' focuses on practical transactions and interactions rather than feelings ('Our dealings with the supplier have been smooth'). Use 'relationship' in everyday personal contexts, 'relation(s)' in formal or institutional writing, 'connection' for neutral or broad links, 'rapport' when emphasising harmony and trust, and 'dealings' for business-like exchanges.

relationship ↗connection ↗rapportdealings

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • in relation to
  • with relation to
  • bear a relation to
  • bear no relation to
  • relations with
  • relations between

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

The word 'relation' comes from Latin 'relatio', meaning 'a bringing back' or 'a report'. This was formed from the verb 'referre' ('to carry back'), which combined 're-' ('back') and 'ferre' ('to carry'). It passed through Old French 'relacion' before entering Middle English around the 1300s. The original meaning was 'an act of telling or recounting' — linking back to the idea of 'carrying back information'. Over time the word shifted to describe abstract connections between people or things.