relationship
n.-
1 interpersonal connection (n.) A2 Elementarythe way two people or groups feel and behave toward each other.
the state of being connected by social or professional interactions; the way in which people or groups regard and behave toward one another.
ExampleThe two countries are working hard to build a better trade relationship.
ExampleMaintaining a professional relationship with colleagues requires a delicate balance of transparency and personal boundaries.
PitfallI have a good relationship to my boss.I have a good relationship with my boss.Use the preposition 'with' to describe a relationship between people.
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2 romantic involvement (n.) A2 Elementarya romantic or sexual connection between two people.
a romantic or sexual involvement between two people; often implies a long-term or committed state.
ExampleThey have been in a committed relationship for five years.
ExampleThe therapist noted that open communication is the cornerstone of any healthy long-term relationship.
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3 family link (n.) B1 Intermediatethe way people are related within a family, like being a cousin or a brother.
the state of being related by blood, marriage, or adoption.
ExampleWhat is your relationship to the bride?
ExampleThe lawyer spent months tracing the complex relationship between the various heirs to the estate.
- kinship
- family ties
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4 logical or physical link (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatea connection between two or more things, where one might affect the other.
a significant connection or similarity between two or more facts, objects, or concepts.
ExampleScientists are studying the relationship between diet and heart disease.
ExampleThe study successfully demonstrated a direct relationship between increased carbon emissions and rising global temperatures.
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5 mathematical mapping (n.) C1 Advanced Technical Maththe way two sets of numbers or values are connected.
the association between the elements of two sets, specifically the x-values and y-values of ordered pairs.
ExampleThe graph shows a linear relationship between time and distance.
ExampleThe researcher identified a non-linear relationship between the variables, suggesting that the initial hypothesis was too simplistic.
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6 musical affinity (n.) C2 Proficiency Technical Musichow much two musical keys or sounds are similar to each other.
the degree of affinity or harmonic connection between different keys, chords, or tones.
ExampleThe composer explored the relationship between the two distant keys.
ExampleThe piece relies on the close harmonic relationship between C major and its relative minor to create a sense of emotional transition.
From relation + -ship.
- 01
rebound relationship
A relationship following a prior long-term relationship, usually short in duration and used to help mend the "broken heart".
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special relationship
A political and diplomatic relationship between two countries that is particularly close and is considered to be based on deep historical and ideological ties rather than merely common interests; especially: