relation
relation — noun
1. the patterns of feeling, behaviour, and communication that develop when individu
the patterns of feeling, behaviour, and communication that develop when individuals, organisations, or nations interact with one another
The relation between the two countries has grown warmer since the trade deal.
relation between [two parties] for connection
Beatrix has built a strong working relation with her new team members.
build a working relation with [someone]
Diplomatic relations were finally restored after years of dispute.
Haruto stopped visiting his parents because tense family relations made every dinner turn into an argument about his career choices.
The company is trying to improve its relation with the local community.
- relationship
more common for personal bonds; softer, everyday tone
- connection
broader; can be social, logical, or physical
- rapport
implies mutual understanding and trust; more specific
- dealings
focuses on practical interactions rather than feelings
- estrangement
a state of being separated or alienated
文法句型
relation between [two parties]
relation with [someone]
用法筆記
Often used in the plural form 'relations' when referring to the general state of connection between groups, countries, or institutions. 'Relation' in the singular usually refers to a single person-to-person connection.
常見錯誤
2. a meaningful tie linking several items, ideas, or events — such as how regular e
a meaningful tie linking several items, ideas, or events — such as how regular exercise relates to sleep quality, or how rising prices connect to higher demand
Researchers found a clear relation between sleep quality and memory performance.
relation between X and Y
The study examined the relation of diet to heart disease in older adults.
relation of X to Y
There is no direct relation between the price of oil and the cost of vegetables.
Her essay explores the relation between social media use and teenage anxiety levels.
The two events bear no relation to each other despite happening on the same day.
- connection
more everyday term; slightly less formal
- link
suggests a direct, often causal tie
- correlation
specifically a statistical or measurable relationship
- association
suggests a connection that may or may not be causal
- disconnection
absence of any meaningful link
文法句型
relation between [thing A] and [thing B]
relation to [something]
用法筆記
The phrase 'bear a relation to' (or 'bear no relation to') is a common fixed expression for stating that two things are connected (or not connected). Frequently used in academic and analytical writing.
常見錯誤
3. used when talking about how one thing is connected to or compared with another —
used when talking about how one thing is connected to or compared with another — for example, discussing a policy in relation to its cost, or judging a building's height in relation to nearby structures
The committee reviewed the new policy in relation to its environmental impact.
in relation to [topic]
Mayumi's salary seems low in relation to the amount of work she does.
A report on airport security raised key questions in relation to public safety, especially about screening electronic devices.
The judge made a statement in relation to the ongoing court case.
Mayor Elena Rosario was asked about her position with relation to a housing project affecting over 200 families.
- regarding
more concise; common in business writing
- concerning
directly replaces 'in relation to'; similar formality
- with respect to
equally formal; slightly more academic
- about
everyday alternative; less formal but widely used
文法句型
in relation to [something]
with relation to [something]
用法筆記
This sense only occurs in the fixed phrases 'in relation to' and (less commonly) 'with relation to'. It functions like a preposition, similar to 'regarding' or 'concerning'. Common in formal writing, business communication, and academic contexts.
常見錯誤
4. a person who shares a common family background with someone else, connected eith
a person who shares a common family background with someone else, connected either by blood ties or through marriage
All of Alessia's close relations flew in for the family reunion.
close relations for family members
Jin discovered he is a distant relation of a famous writer from the 1800s.
The hospital allows only immediate relations to visit patients after surgery.
Tendai invited every relation he could find to his grandmother's birthday party.
I met Zuri at a family wedding — she's a relation through marriage, not by birth.
- relative
more common in everyday speech; same meaning
- family member
neutral and clear; works in all contexts
- kin
old-fashioned or literary; rarely used in conversation
- stranger
someone not connected by family
文法句型
relation of [someone]
distant/close relation
用法筆記
'Relation' is slightly more formal than 'relative' in everyday conversation, though both are common. 'Immediate relations' refers to parents, siblings, spouse, and children. 'Distant relation' refers to someone not in your immediate family line.