relation

noun

re·​la·​tion ri-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce relation (audio)
1
: the act of telling or recounting : account
2
: an aspect or quality (such as resemblance) that connects two or more things or parts as being or belonging or working together or as being of the same kind
the relation of time and space
specifically : a property (such as one expressed by is equal to, is less than, or is the brother of) that holds between an ordered pair of objects
3
: the referring by a legal fiction of an act to a prior date as the time of its taking effect
usually used with back
4
a(1)
: a person connected by consanguinity or affinity : relative
(2)
: a person legally entitled to a share of the property of an intestate
b
: relationship by consanguinity or affinity : kinship
5
: reference, respect
in relation to
6
: the attitude or stance which two or more persons or groups assume toward one another
race relations
7
a
: the state of being mutually or reciprocally interested (as in social or commercial matters)
b relations plural
(1)
: dealings, intercourse
foreign relations

Examples of relation in a Sentence

The incident led to tense international relations.
Recent Examples on the Web Often, however, relations between influencers and the Taliban are mutually rewarding. Rick Noack, Washington Post, 9 Mar. 2024 Video Ad Feedback Russian relations Wang also praised robust trade ties between China and Russia, which have deepened following the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine and Moscow’s subsequent economic isolation on the global stage. Simone McCarthy, CNN, 7 Mar. 2024 Indeed, diplomatic relations between Canberra and Beijing have recently improved, and BYD vehicles are an increasingly common sight on Australian roads. Steve Mollman, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2024 The bureau has also been closely watching relations between the United States and Venezuela. Terence McGinley, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2024 In May 1983, Israel and Lebanon signed an agreement calling for the establishment of peaceful diplomatic relations between the two states. Mireille Rebeiz, The Conversation, 7 Mar. 2024 The pair attended an event commemorating the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the People’s Republic of China and the U.S., records show. Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2024 For the past few months, his State Department has projected a postwar vision that includes Saudi Arabia’s normalization of relations with Israel, in return for a process leading to a demilitarized Palestinian state. Bernard Avishai, The New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2024 Governments in the region want to enjoy good relations with the U.S., yet must also preserve ties with China, often their largest trading partner. Lionel Lim, Fortune Asia, 26 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'relation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English relacion, from Anglo-French, from Latin relation-, relatio, from referre (past participle relatus) to carry back

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of relation was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near relation

Cite this Entry

“Relation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relation. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

relation

noun
re·​la·​tion ri-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce relation (audio)
1
: the act of telling or describing
2
: connection sense 2, relationship
the relation of employer to employee
3
: a related person : relative
4
: reference entry 1 sense 2, respect
in relation to this matter
5
a
: the state of sharing an interest (as in social or business matters)
b
plural : business or public affairs
good trade relations
foreign relations
c
plural : dealings between persons or groups
improved his relations with his family
relational
-shnəl
-shən-ᵊl
adjective

Medical Definition

relation

noun
re·​la·​tion ri-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce relation (audio)
1
: an aspect or quality (as resemblance or causality) that connects two or more things or parts as being or belonging or working together, as being of the same kind, or as being logically connected
the strong relation between genotype and phenotypeAnne M. Glazier et al.
2
: the attitude or stance which two or more persons or groups assume toward one another
race relations
3
a
: the state of being mutually or reciprocally interested (as in social matters)
b
relations plural : sexual intercourse
testified that relations had occurredNewsweek
relational adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on relation

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