relation, relationship

Although largely synonymous, the words relation and relationship are not interchangeable.

Both express the idea of a connection between things or persons. However, relationship tends to be preferred for human connections, relation for more abstract connections.

• She replied that the reporter’s article on organized crime bore no relation to reality.
• What is your relationship to the patient?
• The government’s relations with the unions have stabilized.
• Sociologists believe there is a relation (or relationship) between unemployment and crime.