Relation-Relationship | Commonly Confused Words
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Relation vs. Relationship

Relation

/rɪˈleɪʃən/
A connection or relationship between people, groups, or things

Examples:

'Do any of her relations come to see her?' he asked.Naturally this put our relations on a different footing.'My relation must continue to suffer disappointment.'

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Relationship

/rɪˈleɪʃənʃɪp/
A connection between two or more people, groups, or things.

Examples:

Start thinking about it as filled with relationships.You can't change that relationship!Did you have a good relationship with your employer?'

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Ways to tell them apart:

etymology
  • Relation is often used in a more formal or academic context, whereas relationship is more commonly used in casual conversation.
  • Think of relation as referring to a connection or context between two things, while relationship often implies an ongoing interaction or emotional bond.
  • If you are talking about the dynamics between people, you are likely referring to a relationship, whereas if its a more detached connection, it might be a relation'.
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