Relations Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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relations

[rɪˈleɪʃənz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

family

The way in which two or more people or things are connected; a thing's effect on or relevance to another

Synonyms

association, bond, connection, link, tie.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
relations	Often used to describe the interactions and connections between people, groups, or countries. It can refer to both personal and professional interactions. The relations between the two countries have improved recently Her relations with her colleagues are very good
connection	A general term used to describe the state of being linked, whether it's emotional, professional, or physical. It is broad and can be used in various contexts. I feel a deep connection with my hometown The internet connection is very slow today
association	Typically refers to a group of people organized for a joint purpose or an idea of being connected to something. Also can denote a mental connection between ideas or concepts. He is a member of the local sport association He made an association between the two theories
link	Often refers to a direct or tangible connection between things, people, or concepts. Frequently used in technology and relationships. There is no clear link between the two events Click on this link to access the website
tie	Conveys a sense of binding or fastening together, often in a figurative sense relating to relationships or obligations. It can have both positive and negative connotations. They have strong family ties His business ties to the company are very discreet
bond	Describes a strong connection between people, usually implying emotional closeness or shared experiences. Can also refer to a connection in a financial or physical sense. There is a strong bond between the mother and her child They formed a bond over their love of music

Examples of usage

He was investigating his relation to the famous painter.
The study will assess the relation between temperature and crop yield.
They have a close relation to each other.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

mathematics

A property that associates two quantities in a particular order; a set of ordered pairs

Synonyms

association, correspondence, link.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
relations	Used to describe the connections and interactions between people, countries, or groups. The relations between the two countries have improved Family relations can be complicated
correspondence	Used to describe the act of communicating through letters or emails, or the relationship between two matching entities. She has maintained a long-term correspondence with her pen pal There is a clear correspondence between the two sets of data
association	Often refers to a connection or bond between ideas, people, or things, often in a formal or organized context. Her association with that club has brought her many new opportunities There is a strong association between smoking and lung cancer
link	Refers to a connection between two things, often used metaphorically or in a digital context. There is a link between diet and health Click on the link to visit our website

Examples of usage

In the relation y = 3x, y is directly proportional to x.
The relation {(1, 2), (3, 4)} includes pairs of numbers.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

kinship

A person who is connected by blood or marriage; a relative

Synonyms

family member, kinsman, kinswoman, relative.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
relations	Used broadly to refer to connections by blood or marriage, often in a social or formal context. Suitable for general conversations or when discussing family dynamics. He has good relations with all his extended family. Family relations can be complicated.
relative	A common word used to denote any family member, regardless of gender, often in both casual and formal settings. She invited all her relatives to the wedding. I have a relative who lives in France.
family member	Use this term when referring to someone who is part of a person's immediate family. It's commonly used in both casual and formal settings. Every family member attended the reunion. She is a close family member.
kinsman	An older or more formal term for a male relative. It is often used in historical or literary contexts. He sought the advice of his kinsman. The estate was inherited by his nearest kinsman.
kinswoman	An older or more formal term for a female relative. It is often found in historical or literary contexts. Her kinswoman visited her every summer. The queen was accompanied by her loyal kinswoman.

Examples of usage

She is my distant relation.
He invited all his relations to the wedding.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Connections

In many cultures, familial relations are considered the backbone of social structure, influencing traditions and communal living.
Diplomatic relations between countries often dictate global policies and alliances, showcasing the importance of international connections.
Several cultures celebrate 'Day of Relations' to honor family ties and friendships, expressing the significance of these bonds.

Psychology

Research in psychology shows that strong interpersonal relations contribute significantly to mental well-being.
Attachment theory suggests that the quality of early relations with caregivers can greatly affect an individual's social connections in adulthood.
Conflict resolution studies focus on improving relations between individuals, aiming for better understanding and communication.

Literature

Many classic novels explore complex relations among characters, highlighting themes of love, betrayal, and redemption.
In plays, such as those by Shakespeare, the dynamics of relations often drive the plot and create emotional impact.
The concept of relations is central to many poetic works, with poets exploring connections between nature and human experience.

Science

In biology, relations among species are examined through the lens of ecosystems, showcasing how organisms depend on one another.
The study of genetics focuses on relations between genes and traits, impacting fields like medicine and agriculture.
In physics, the concept of relational databases mirrors the scientific emphasis on how different elements interact with one another.

Origin of 'relations'

Main points about word origin

The word 'relations' comes from the Latin 'relatio', meaning 'to bring back or report'. It evolved to imply connections or references.
It was first used in English in the late 14th century, originally focusing on storytelling or recounting events.
The plural form emphasizes multiple connections or relationships, a common way to express various ties or interactions.

The word 'relations' has its origin in the Latin word 'relationem', which means 'a bringing back'. Over time, the term evolved to encompass a variety of meanings, including connections between people, mathematical associations, and kinship ties. The concept of relations is fundamental to human interactions, mathematical equations, and family bonds.

Word Frequency Rank

At #836 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.

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833 moved
834 insurance
835 success
836 relations
837 protection
838 forces
839 thousand
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