Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English - relationship

~ n 1 the way in which two people or two groups behave towards each other + between  (an improved relationship between the police and local people)  (We have a good working relationship with the managers.) 2 the way in which two or more things are connected and affect each other + between  (the relationship between poor housing and health problems) 3 a situation in which two people spend time together or live together, and have romantic or sexual feelings for each other  (I just don't feel I'm ready for a relationship right now.) 4 the way in which you are related to someone in your family  ( USAGE NOTE: RELATIONSHIP WORD CHOICE relationship, relations, relation, connection A relationship with someone or something is usually close, and may involve strong feelings Jane's stormy relationship with her husband. | What kind of relationship does she have with her mother? Relations between people, groups, countries etc are often about working together or communicating Relations between industrialists and environmentalists have improved recently. Relations is a more official word friendly relations in the workplace/between East and West A relation or relationship to someone or something, like a connection, is usually about a simple fact Jane's relationship to/connection with Jeff is that he is her uncle/boss. | What relation has temperature to humidity? A relationship between people and other people or things may be either close and full of emotion, or simply a matter of fact the relationship between bosses and workers | What's the relationship between temperature and humidity? )