relation

Pronunciation

• enPR: rĭ-lā'shən, IPA ^(key): /rɪˈleɪʃən/

• Audio (US)

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Noun

Singular relation

Plural relations

1. (countable) A relation is the way two things are towards each other or in comparison with each other.
   • Synonyms: link, connection and relationship

   This building looks too big in relation to the size of the houses on the street.

   The children sitting in the boat were moving in relation to their parents who were sitting on the shore because the boat was going away from shore.

   There is a relation between eating good food and being healthy.

2. (countable) A relation is a member of ones' family.
   • Synonym: relation

   I have an uncle, two aunts and three cousins but no other relations.

3. (countable) (mathematics) A relation is a statement of equality between two products of generators that are used when showing a group.

Related words

• relate
• relations
• relationship
• relator
• related