relationship

n 1: (`relationship' is often used where `relation' would serve

(as in "the relationship between inflation and

unemployment")) preferred usage of `relationship' is for

human relations or states of relatedness; "the

relationship between mothers and children" [syn: {human

relationship}]

2: a state of connectedness between people (especially an

emotional connection); "he didn't want his wife to know of

the relationship"

3: a state involving mutual dealings between people or parties

or countries

4: state of relatedness or connection by blood or marriage or

adoption [syn: {kinship}, {family relationship}]