Relation vs. Relationship

synonyms

This time, we're gonna work on the differences and similarities between these two tricky words. Are you ready? Do you wanna expand your knowledge?

"Relation" vs. "Relationship" in English

What Is Their Main Difference?

Both refer to the connection between people. However, 'relation' shows the connection between several people, countries, organizations, continents, etc. Note that it is a formal kind of connection. 'Relationship', contrariwise, indicates the informal, smaller type of connection between people like close relatives, couples, etc.

Differences

As stated above, 'relation' refers to the connection between countries, organizations, families, people, etc. It is a formal type of connection usually between large groups of people. Look at the following examples:

This article focuses on complex relations between The United States and China.

So, how can we define the relation these two companies have?

'Relationship', basically, is about the connection within smaller groups of people. It mainly describes the connection between relatives, close family members, romantic couples, friendships, etc. Check out the following examples:

I thought our relationship would last, but things have changed.

Always remember that you don't need to be in a relationship to feel happy.

Similarities

Both refer to the bond between people, things, companies, countries, etc. Take a look below:

The relation between the East and the West is getting more complex every day.

Then, she shouted: 'And yet it was worth jeopardizing our relationship'.

Are They Interchangeable?

Many native speakers use these two words interchangeably. Look at the examples below:

✓ Next session, we're going to focus more on the relation between Humanism and the works of Shakespeare.

✓ Next session, we're going to focus more on the relationship between Humanism and the works of Shakespeare.

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