1. 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"
2. a state of connectedness between people (especially an emotional connection);
"he didn't want his wife to know of the relationship"
3. a state involving mutual dealings between people or parties or countries
4. state of relatedness or connection by blood or marriage or adoption