relation

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   The way in which two or more things are connected.

   The relation between diet and health is complex.

2. 2
   noun

   (usually plural) The way people, groups, or countries deal with each other.

   The two nations are working to improve their relations.

3. 3
   noun

   A member of your family; a relative.

   Yes, he's a relation of mine, but only a distant one.

From Middle English relacion, relacioun, from Anglo-Norman relacioun and Old French relacion (whence French relation), from Latin relātiō, noun of process form from perfect passive participle relātus (“related”), from verb referō (“to refer, to relate”), from prefix re- (“again”) + ferō (“to bear, to carry”). By surface analysis, relate + -ion. Doublet of relazione.

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