[n] a relation between people; (`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"
[n] state of relatedness or connection by blood or marriage or adoption
[n] a state of connectedness between people (especially an emotional connection); "he didn't want his wife to know of the relationship"
[n] a state involving mutual dealings between people or parties or countries