Difference Between
versus

Relation vs. Relationship: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
'Relation' refers to a connection or association between things or concepts, while 'relationship' denotes an emotional or social connection between people.
Relation vs. Relationship

Key Differences

Relation often implies a logical or natural association between concepts, objects, or entities. Relationship, in contrast, typically refers to a more personal, emotional, or social connection between individuals.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 24, 2023
In Relation, the focus is on the way in which two or more things are connected. Relationship, however, emphasizes interpersonal dynamics and often involves mutual dealings or commitments.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 24, 2023
Relation can be used in various contexts, like mathematics, science, or linguistics, to denote a type of connection. Relationship tends to be used in the context of human interactions, including family, friendships, or romantic partnerships.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 24, 2023
The term Relation is broader and more general, encompassing any kind of link or correspondence. Relationship is more specific, often implying a deeper, ongoing, and interactive bond.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 24, 2023
Relation can be impersonal and objective, as in describing the relation between cause and effect. Relationship is typically personal and subjective, focusing on feelings and experiences shared between people.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 24, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Comparison Chart

Definition

Connection or association between things or concepts
Emotional or social connection between people
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 24, 2023

Context

Broad, used in various fields like science, math
Primarily human interactions: family, friends, romance
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 24, 2023

Focus

Type of connection or link
Interpersonal dynamics and interactions
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 24, 2023

Nature

Can be impersonal and objective
Personal, often implying emotional involvement
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 24, 2023

Usage

More general, encompassing various links
More specific, denoting a deeper, ongoing bond
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 24, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Relation and Relationship Definitions

Relation

Relation refers to a connection between concepts or things.
The relation between supply and demand is fundamental in economics.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 24, 2023

Relationship

Relationship refers to an emotional or social connection between people.
Their relationship has grown stronger over the years.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 24, 2023

Relation

Relation denotes the way in which two entities are associated.
The relation of the moon to ocean tides is well-studied in astronomy.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 24, 2023

Relationship

Relationship denotes a connection involving mutual dealings.
The teacher-student relationship is based on trust and respect.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 24, 2023

Relation

Relation can mean a relative or family member.
She invited all her close relations to the family reunion.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 24, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Relationship

Relationship can imply an ongoing interaction or association.
Building a good relationship with clients is key to business success.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 24, 2023

Relation

Relation is used to describe a logical or mathematical link.
The relation between circumference and diameter is constant in circles.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 24, 2023

Relationship

Relationship is used to describe family ties or kinship.
The relationship between siblings can be very complex.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 24, 2023

Relation

Relation can indicate a reference or relevance to something.
His speech had little relation to the main topic of the conference.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 24, 2023

Relationship

The condition or fact of being related; connection or association.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relation

A logical or natural association between two or more things; relevance of one to another; connection
The relation between smoking and heart disease.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relationship

Connection by blood or marriage; kinship.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relation

The connection of people by blood or marriage; kinship.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relationship

A particular type of connection existing between people related to or having dealings with each other
Has a close relationship with his siblings.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relation

A person connected to another by blood or marriage; a relative.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relationship

A romantic or sexual involvement.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relation

The way in which one person or thing is connected with another
The relation of parent to child.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relationship

Connection or association; the condition of being related.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relation

The mutual dealings or connections of persons, groups, or nations in social, business, or diplomatic matters
International relations.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relationship

(mathematics) The links between the x-values and y-values of ordered pairs of numbers especially coordinates.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relation

Sexual intercourse.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relationship

Kinship; being related by blood or marriage.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relation

The act of telling or narrating.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relationship

A romantic or sexual involvement.
They have been in a relationship for ten years, but have never married.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relation

A narrative; an account.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relationship

A way in which two or more people behave and are involved with each other
I have a good working relationship with my boss.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relation

(Mathematics) A correspondence between two sets, consisting of a set of ordered pairs, the first element of each of which is from the first set, and the second element of each of which is from the second set. If A = {1,2} and B = {3,4}, then {(1,3), (1,4)} is a relation from A to B.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relationship

(music) The level or degree of affinity between keys, chords and tones.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relation

(Law) The principle by which an action done on a certain date is treated as having been done on an earlier date. Also called relation back.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relationship

The state of being related by kindred, affinity, or other alliance.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relation

The manner in which two things may be associated.
The relation between diet and health is complex.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relationship

A relation between people; (`relationship' is often used where `relation' would serve, as in `the relationship between inflation and unemployment', but the preferred usage of `relationship' is for human relations or states of relatedness);
The relationship between mothers and their children
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relation

A member of one's extended family; a relative.
Yes, he's a relation of mine, but only a distant one.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relationship

A state of connectedness between people (especially an emotional connection);
He didn't want his wife to know of the relationship
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relation

The act of relating a story.
Your relation of the events is different from mine.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relationship

A state involving mutual dealings between people or parties or countries
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relation

(set theory) A set of ordered tuples.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relationship

State of relatedness or connection by blood or marriage or adoption
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relation

(set theory) Specifically, a set of ordered pairs; a binary relation.
Equality is a symmetric relation, while divisibility is not.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relationship

Relationship can mean a romantic or intimate bond.
They celebrated their fifth year in a committed relationship.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 24, 2023

Relation

(databases) A set of ordered tuples retrievable by a relational database; a table.
This relation uses the customer's social security number as a key.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relation

(mathematics) A statement of equality of two products of generators, used in the presentation of a group.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relation

(category theory) A subobject of a product of objects.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relation

(usually collocated: sexual relation) The act of intercourse.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relation

The act of relating or telling; also, that which is related; recital; account; narration; narrative; as, the relation of historical events.
Oet's relation doth well figure them.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relation

The state of being related or of referring; what is apprehended as appertaining to a being or quality, by considering it in its bearing upon something else; relative quality or condition; the being such and such with regard or respect to some other thing; connection; as, the relation of experience to knowledge; the relation of master to servant.
Any sort of connection which is perceived or imagined between two or more things, or any comparison which is made by the mind, is a relation.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relation

Reference; respect; regard.
I have been importuned to make some observations on this art in relation to its agreement with poetry.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relation

Connection by consanguinity or affinity; kinship; relationship; as, the relation of parents and children.
Relations dear, and all the charitiesOf father, son, and brother, first were known.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relation

A person connected by cosanguinity or affinity; a relative; a kinsman or kinswoman.
For me . . . my relation does not care a rush.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relation

The carrying back, and giving effect or operation to, an act or proceeding frrom some previous date or time, by a sort of fiction, as if it had happened or begun at that time. In such case the act is said to take effect by relation.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relation

An abstraction belonging to or characteristic of two entities or parts together
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relation

The act of sexual procreation between a man and a woman; the man's penis is inserted into the woman's vagina and excited until orgasm and ejaculation occur
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relation

A person related by blood or marriage;
Police are searching for relatives of the deceased
He has distant relations back in New Jersey
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relation

An act of narration;
He was the hero according to his own relation
His endless recounting of the incident eventually became unbearable
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relation

(law) the principle that an act done at a later time is deemed by law to have occurred at an earlier time;
His attorney argued for the relation back of the ammended complaint to the time the initial complaint was filed
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Relation

(usually plural) mutual dealings or connections among persons or groups;
International relations
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Repeatedly Asked Queries

What is a relation?

A connection or association between things or concepts.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 24, 2023

What's an example of relation in mathematics?

The relation between variables in an equation.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 24, 2023

Can a business have relations with other companies?

Yes, in the context of partnerships or associations.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 24, 2023

What does a relationship mean?

An emotional or social connection between people.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 24, 2023

Does relationship always involve emotions?

Typically, it involves some level of emotional engagement.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 24, 2023

Can relation be used in a scientific context?

Yes, to denote connections or associations in science.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 24, 2023

Is relationship only romantic?

No, it encompasses various interpersonal connections.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 24, 2023

How important is communication in a relationship?

It's crucial for understanding and maintaining healthy interactions.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 24, 2023

Can relation be used to describe a causal link?

Yes, like in cause-and-effect situations.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 24, 2023

How does culture influence relationships?

Cultural norms and values significantly shape relationship dynamics.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 24, 2023

Is relation the same as a relative?

In some contexts, it can mean a family member.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 24, 2023

How does social media affect relationships?

It can both enhance and challenge interpersonal dynamics.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 24, 2023

What role do trust and respect play in a relationship?

They are foundational for a healthy and stable relationship.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 24, 2023

Can technology change the way we form relationships?

Yes, it influences how we connect and interact with others.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 24, 2023

What is a toxic relationship?

A relationship harmful to one or both participants.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 24, 2023

Is a professional relation the same as a personal relationship?

No, they differ in nature and boundaries.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 24, 2023

How can relationships impact mental health?

They can greatly affect emotional well-being, positively or negatively.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 24, 2023

What is a symbiotic relationship?

A mutually beneficial relationship between two different organisms.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 24, 2023

Are relations always direct or clear?

Not necessarily; they can be indirect or complex.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 24, 2023

Can a relation exist without personal interaction?

Yes, it can be impersonal or indirect.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 24, 2023

Share this page

Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Shumaila Saeed
Written by
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

Popular Comparisons

Trending Comparisons

Megabyte vs. GigabyteMegabyte vs. Gigabyte
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 8, 2024
A Megabyte (MB) is a unit of digital information storage equal to 1,024 kilobytes, while a Gigabyte (GB) is equal to 1,024 megabytes.
Android TV vs. Tizen TVAndroid TV vs. Tizen TV
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 26, 2024
Android TV is a smart TV platform powered by Google's Android OS, offering extensive app compatibility, while Tizen TV is Samsung's smart TV OS, known for its smooth interface and integration with Samsung devices.
Pastor vs. ReverendPastor vs. Reverend
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 23, 2024
A pastor is a religious leader of a Christian congregation, while reverend is a title used to address or refer to Christian clergy.
Shriners vs. MasonsShriners vs. Masons
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 29, 2024
Shriners are a subgroup within Freemasonry known for charitable work, especially children's hospitals; Masons are members of the larger, older fraternity of Freemasonry with broader goals and activities.
Catholic Bible vs. NIV BibleCatholic Bible vs. NIV Bible
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 11, 2024
The Catholic Bible includes additional books in the Old Testament not found in the NIV Bible; the NIV is a modern English translation.
Paranormal vs. SupernaturalParanormal vs. Supernatural
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 26, 2024
Paranormal involves phenomena beyond scientific explanation, focusing on events like ghost sightings. Supernatural encompasses all beyond natural laws, including deities and magic.
Rescind vs. RevokeRescind vs. Revoke
Dua FatimaDua Fatima
July 10, 2024
Rescind involves officially cancelling a decision or agreement; revoke means to officially cancel the validity of something, often involving rights or licenses.
Broadsheet vs. TabloidBroadsheet vs. Tabloid
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
November 2, 2024
Broadsheet is a large-format newspaper focusing on serious content; Tabloid is a smaller, sensational news-focused paper.
Hanukkah vs. KwanzaaHanukkah vs. Kwanzaa
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 3, 2024
Hanukkah is a Jewish festival commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple, while Kwanzaa is an African-American celebration of cultural heritage and values.
Snow vs. Snow ShowersSnow vs. Snow Showers
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 4, 2024
Snow refers to frozen precipitation falling steadily, while snow showers are brief, intermittent bursts of snow.
Pycharm Community vs. Pycharm ProPycharm Community vs. Pycharm Pro
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 4, 2024
PyCharm Community is a free, open-source IDE for Python development, while PyCharm Pro is a paid version with additional advanced features like web development support and database tools.
Hydroscopic vs. HygroscopicHydroscopic vs. Hygroscopic
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 14, 2024
Hydroscopic is a common misnomer, often incorrectly used in place of hygroscopic. Hygroscopic refers to substances that absorb moisture from the air.
Jungle vs. RainforestJungle vs. Rainforest
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
January 29, 2024
A jungle is a dense, wild forest, often impenetrable, while a rainforest is a dense forest rich in biodiversity, typically receiving high rainfall.
Pulley vs. SheavePulley vs. Sheave
Hifza NasirHifza Nasir
April 4, 2024
A pulley is a wheel on an axle designed to support movement and change of direction of a taut cable, while a sheave is the wheel part of a pulley system that specifically interacts with the cable.
Hawaiian vs. SamoanHawaiian vs. Samoan
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
January 31, 2024
Hawaiian refers to things related to Hawaii, a U.S. state, while Samoan pertains to Samoa, an independent nation in the Pacific.
Acrobatics vs. GymnasticsAcrobatics vs. Gymnastics
Hifza NasirHifza Nasir
May 1, 2024
Acrobatics emphasizes agility and flexibility in individual feats, while gymnastics combines strength, flexibility, and apparatus use in a structured sport.
Cocoon vs. ChrysalisCocoon vs. Chrysalis
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
March 3, 2024
A cocoon is a protective casing spun by moths and other insects, while a chrysalis is the hard shell formed by butterfly larvae during metamorphosis.
Pokemon Firered vs. Pokemon LeafgreenPokemon Firered vs. Pokemon Leafgreen
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 15, 2024
Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen are remakes of the original Pokemon games, with FireRed offering exclusive Pokemon like Growlithe and LeafGreen featuring Pokemon like Vulpix, plus minor story and area differences.
Otto Insurance vs. GEICOOtto Insurance vs. GEICO
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 28, 2024
Otto Insurance is a digital insurance platform, while GEICO is a well-established auto insurer known for direct-to-consumer sales.
Fl. Oz. vs. Oz.Fl. Oz. vs. Oz.
Hifza NasirHifza Nasir
March 3, 2024
Fl. oz. measures volume, used for liquids (e.g., water, milk), while oz. measures weight, for solids or overall mass (e.g., cheese, gold).
Stuck vs. StockStuck vs. Stock
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
June 18, 2024
"Stuck" refers to being unable to move or progress, while "stock" primarily denotes inventory or shares in a company, highlighting distinct usage contexts.
Million vs. BillionMillion vs. Billion
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 29, 2024
A million is 1,000,000, while a billion is 1,000,000,000; a billion is a thousand times larger than a million.
Seagate Exos x16 vs. Seagate Exos x18Seagate Exos x16 vs. Seagate Exos x18
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 8, 2024
The Seagate Exos X16 offers up to 16TB storage with a focus on high-capacity data centers, while the Exos X18 upgrades to 18TB, enhancing performance and capacity for enterprise demands.
Private in C++ vs. Protected in C++Private in C++ vs. Protected in C++
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2024
In C++, private members are accessible only within the same class, whereas protected members are accessible in the class and its subclasses.

Featured Comparisons

New Comparisons