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