# relationship

/ɹiˈɫeɪʃənˌʃɪp/ (US) · /ɹɪlˈeɪʃənʃˌɪp/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/relationship
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. interpersonal connection

noun · CEFR A2

the way two people or groups feel and behave toward each other.

For teachers: the state of being connected by social or professional interactions; the way in which people or groups regard and behave toward one another.

- The two countries are working hard to build a better trade relationship.
- Maintaining a professional relationship with colleagues requires a delicate balance of transparency and personal boundaries.

### 2. romantic involvement

noun · CEFR A2

a romantic or sexual connection between two people.

For teachers: a romantic or sexual involvement between two people; often implies a long-term or committed state.

- They have been in a committed relationship for five years.
- The therapist noted that open communication is the cornerstone of any healthy long-term relationship.

### 3. family link

noun · CEFR B1

the way people are related within a family, like being a cousin or a brother.

For teachers: the state of being related by blood, marriage, or adoption.

- What is your relationship to the bride?
- The lawyer spent months tracing the complex relationship between the various heirs to the estate.

### 4. logical or physical link

noun · CEFR B2

a connection between two or more things, where one might affect the other.

For teachers: a significant connection or similarity between two or more facts, objects, or concepts.

- Scientists are studying the relationship between diet and heart disease.
- The study successfully demonstrated a direct relationship between increased carbon emissions and rising global temperatures.

### 5. mathematical mapping

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the way two sets of numbers or values are connected.

For teachers: the association between the elements of two sets, specifically the x-values and y-values of ordered pairs.

- The graph shows a linear relationship between time and distance.
- The researcher identified a non-linear relationship between the variables, suggesting that the initial hypothesis was too simplistic.

### 6. musical affinity

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

how much two musical keys or sounds are similar to each other.

For teachers: the degree of affinity or harmonic connection between different keys, chords, or tones.

- The composer explored the relationship between the two distant keys.
- The piece relies on the close harmonic relationship between C major and its relative minor to create a sense of emotional transition.

## Examples

- They have a very good working relationship.
- The relationship between the two neighboring countries has improved significantly since the new trade agreement was signed.
- Psychologists often examine the intricate relationship between early childhood experiences and the development of social anxiety in adult life to better understand behavioral patterns.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.