Language Research

relation · noun

/rəˈleɪ.ʃən/Full view

Word family

Nouns: relation, relations, relationship, relative

Adjectives: related, unrelated, relative

Verbs: relate

Adverbs: relatively

relation (FAMILY MEMBER)

B1 C someone who belongs to the same family as you

Dictionary examples:

On our trip, we visited friends and relations on both sides of the family.

He's Ken Russell, but he's no relation to the movie director.

Learner example:

I beg[a]n to play against my relations and friends but I soon found that I could [beat] them without any difficulty. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

relations

B2 the way in which two people or groups of people feel and behave toward each other

Dictionary examples:

Relations between the parties are strained and an end to negotiations isn't in sight.

business/economic relations

diplomatic relations

Learner example:

The second [film] is "Alice" directed by the world's most respected man within the movie bu[si]ness - of course Woody Allen. Again the good old fellow is totally fascinated by people in general, human relations and reactions. (First Certificate in English; B2; Danish)

relation (CONNECTION)

B2 C or U a connection between two or more things

Dictionary example:

There was little relation between the book and the movie.

Learner example:

Another drawback is the relation between space and time. (First Certificate in English; B2; Catalan)

in relation to sth

B2 when compared with something

Dictionary example:

Salaries are low in relation to the cost of living.

Learner example:

I think television has several advantages but also disadvantages in relation to books. (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)

in relation to sth

B2 about or relating to something

Dictionary example:

I'd like to ask you something in relation to what you said earlier.

Learner example:

In relation to last month's social program, the sightseeing tour of London was d[i]vine, although we didn't get to see the entire city. (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)