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

[ Syn: human relationship ]

a state of connectedness between people (especially an emotional connection); he didn't want his wife to know of the relationship'

a state involving mutual dealings between people or parties or countries

(anthropology) relatedness or connection by blood or marriage or adoption

[ Syn: kinship , family relationship ]