relational

adjective

re·​la·​tion·​al ri-ˈlā-sh(ə-)nəl 

1

: of or relating to kinship

2

: characterized or constituted by relations

3

: having the function chiefly of indicating a relation of syntax

has is notional in he has luck, relational in he has gone

4

: relating to, using, or being a method of organizing data in a database so that it is perceived by the user as a set of tables

relationally adverb

Examples of relational in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Midweek brings a relational softening as Venus enters Pisces on February 10th, joining Mercury in the zone of partnerships, collaboration, and one-on-one dynamics. —Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 8 Feb. 2026

In her view, relational grounding is key, believing that confidence grows when children are allowed to master skills at a pace that honors development. —Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 7 Feb. 2026

Anne Kirkpatrick, Superintendent of New Orleans Police Department views law enforcement as fundamentally relational. —CBS News, 2 Feb. 2026

For me, learning is less academic and more relational. —Barnaby Lashbrooke, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing relational

• relational grammar

Rhymes for relational

• formational
• foundational
• gestational
• gradational
• locational
• mutational
• nonrational
• notational
• rotational
• sensational
• translational
• vibrational