1. A relation between people; (‘relationship’ is often used where ‘relation’ would serve, as in ‘the relationship between inflation and unemployment’, but the preferred usage of ‘relationship’ is for human relations or states of relatedness)
   "the relationship between mothers and their children";
   - human relationship
    
2. A state of connectedness between people (especially an emotional connection)
   "he didn't want his wife to know of the relationship"
    
3. A state involving mutual dealings between people, parties or countries
   "The two nations maintained a friendly diplomatic relationship"
    
4. (anthropology) relatedness or connection by blood or marriage or adoption
   "The family relationship between cousins is through a common grandparent";
   - kinship, family relationship

Derived forms: relationships

Type of: relation, state

Encyclopedia: Relationship, marketing