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relation, relationship

Although largely synonymous, the words relation and relationship are not interchangeable.

Both express the idea of a connection between things or persons. However, relationship tends to be preferred for human connections, relation for more abstract connections.

  • She replied that the reporter’s article on organized crime bore no relation to reality.
  • What is your relationship to the patient?
  • The government’s relations with the unions have stabilized.
  • Sociologists believe there is a relation (or relationship) between unemployment and crime.