Relatedness: meaning, definitions and examples
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relatedness
[ rΙͺΛleΙͺtΙͺdnΙs ]
concepts connection
Relatedness refers to the degree of connection or association between two or more entities, ideas, or objects. It is often used in various fields such as psychology, genetics, and sociology to describe how closely related certain elements are to one another.
Synonyms
affinity, association, connection, similarity.
Examples of usage
- The relatedness of these two theories helps explain the phenomenon.
- In genetic studies, scientists analyze the relatedness of individuals to understand inheritance patterns.
- The relatedness between friends can influence their behavior and choices.
Etymology
The word 'relatedness' is derived from the base word 'related', which comes from the Latin verb 'relatare', meaning to bring back or relate. The Latin word itself is a combination of 're-' (back) and 'latare' (to carry). 'Related' has evolved to mean having a connection or association with. The suffix '-ness' is commonly used in English to form nouns indicating a state or condition. Thus, 'relatedness' literally means the state or quality of being related. The term has gained prominence in various academic fields, particularly in psychology and genetics, as researchers seek to establish and analyze connections between individuals, behaviors, or genetic traits. Over time, the concept of relatedness has become crucial in understanding the dynamics of social relationships, familial ties, and ecological systems.