Relationship: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when describing the way in which two or more people, groups, or things are related or involved with each other. This term is often used in both personal and professional contexts.

• She has a good relationship with her colleagues.
• Their relationship improved after they started communicating more openly.

This term is versatile and can describe both physical and abstract links or relationships between people, objects, or ideas. Usually less formal than association.

• I feel a deep connection to my hometown.
• There's a strong connection between the two theories.

Ideal for describing a strong connection or feeling of affection, loyalty, or a sense of solidarity between people. Often used in emotional or close personal contexts.

• The tragic event created an unbreakable bond between them.
• Their bond grew stronger with each passing year.

Best suited for describing a formal or official connection between organizations, groups, or individuals, especially in a professional or organizational setting.

• He was proud of his long-standing association with the university.
• The association of these two companies led to many innovative products.

General term used to describe a connection between two or more people, whether it's romantic, friendly, familial, or professional.

• She has a very close relationship with her sister.
• Their business relationship has lasted for over 10 years.

Describes a love relationship that emphasizes passion and emotional connection, often associated with sentimental and idealistic feelings.

• Their romance started when they met at the library.
• She enjoys reading novels that are full of romance and adventure.

Often used to describe a passionate and secret romantic relationship, typically outside of other committed relationships, and can have a negative connotation.

• Their love affair was the subject of much gossip in the office.
• He had a brief love affair during his vacation.

Refers to a formal or business-like collaboration between two or more parties working together towards a common goal.

• Their partnership brought great success to the company.
• After months of negotiation, they finally formed a business partnership.

This word is best used to describe the connection or bond between people, romantic partners, family members, or any kind of personal interaction.

• They have been in a relationship for three years.
• Her relationship with her mother is very strong.

This word is appropriate for describing a formal or often legally binding agreement between parties to work together in a business venture. It implies a deeper commitment than 'association' or 'collaboration'.

• They entered into a business partnership last year.
• Their partnership has been highly profitable for both sides.

This term is ideal for describing situations where two or more parties are actively working together towards a common goal, especially in professional or creative contexts.

• The project was a collaboration between several researchers.
• Their collaboration resulted in a successful product launch.

This word is suitable for describing a formal link or connection between groups, organizations, or ideas. It often implies a looser, more casual connection than 'relationship' or 'partnership'.

• The company has an association with local non-profits.
• There is a strong association between smoking and lung cancer.