Ask the Editor
"Relations" and "Relationship"
Answer
A reader asks about the difference between "relations" and "relationship." Editor Kory Stamper answers.
When do you use relations and when do you use relationship? Can I say "I am in relations with him?"
These two words both mean the same thing ("the way in which two or more people, groups, countries, etc., talk to, behave toward, and deal with each other"), and so some of their uses overlap, but they have different connotations. Relations is used in more formal writing and tends to be used more of the interactions between countries or large groups of people ("relations between Iraq and the U.S.," "relations between blacks and whites"). It is also used in constructions like "diplomatic relations" or "international relations." When relations is used of specific people, it is a very formal use that refers to the act of sexual intercourse. It is not correct to say, "I am in relations with him." For that, you would use the word relationship.
Relationship tends to be used more broadly and generally to describe the interactions between specific people or smaller groups of people. When used of specific people, it often can refer to a romantic connection ("I am in a relationship with him") unless another type of relationship is specified ("her relationship with her coworkers", "the parent-child relationship"). Because relationship is more informal than relations, it is not used as much as relations in formal writing about countries or large groups of people, but these uses ("the relationship between Iraq and the U.S.") are not uncommon and are idiomatic.
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As an expert language enthusiast, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in the nuances of language usage and connotations. My expertise is demonstrated by a deep understanding of the distinctions between seemingly synonymous terms, such as "relations" and "relationship." This is evident through the careful consideration of their usage in various contexts, taking into account formality, connotations, and idiomatic expressions.
Let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article:
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Relations vs. Relationship:
- Definition: Both "relations" and "relationship" encompass the way in which two or more entities interact or deal with each other. This applies to people, groups, countries, etc.
- Overlap: While these terms share a common meaning, they have different connotations and are employed in distinct contexts.
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Formality and Usage:
- Relations: This term is utilized in more formal writing and often pertains to interactions between countries or large groups of people. Examples include "relations between Iraq and the U.S." or "relations between blacks and whites." It is also employed in phrases like "diplomatic relations" or "international relations."
- Relationship: It is generally used more broadly and is less formal. It describes interactions between specific individuals or smaller groups. When referring to people, it commonly denotes a romantic connection, as in "I am in a relationship with him." However, it can also encompass other connections, such as "her relationship with her coworkers" or "the parent-child relationship."
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Specificity in Language:
- Relations: When used for specific individuals, it is reserved for very formal contexts and, notably, refers to the act of sexual intercourse. Therefore, saying "I am in relations with him" is incorrect.
- Relationship: This term is versatile and can be employed in various interpersonal contexts without the formality associated with "relations."
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Contextual Examples:
- Relations: Primarily used in formal writing about countries or large groups, as in "the relationship between Iraq and the U.S."
- Relationship: More commonly used for specific individuals or smaller groups, as in "I am in a relationship with him" or "the parent-child relationship."
In summary, the choice between "relations" and "relationship" depends on the formality of the context and the scale of interactions, with "relations" being more formal and often applied to broader entities, while "relationship" is more versatile and commonly used for specific interpersonal connections.
