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relation

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noun American English pronunciation: relation /rɪˈleɪʃ(ə)n/ 
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singularrelation
pluralrelations
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Related dictionary definitions

  1. 1

    relations

     [plural] the relationship between countries, people, or organizations

    international relations

    relation between:

    The visit is an important step in improving relations between Japan and China.

    relation with:

    We have very good relations with the local police.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of relation
  2. 2
    [countable] a member of your family

    All our friends and relations came to our wedding.

    any/no relation to someone:

    "I'm Sarah King." "Are you any relation to Steve King?"

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of relation
  3. 3
    [countable/uncountable] a connection between two or more people or things
    relation between:

    The study found a direct relation between smoking and lung cancer.

    bear no relation to something:

    The tax bears no relation to people's ability to pay.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of relation

phrases

This is the American English definition of relation. View British English definition of relation.

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