relationship English · revision 3475

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=derivation|attested=1640s|origins=en relation}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /rɪˈleɪ.ʃən.ʃɪp/^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is formed [[af|en|relation|-ship]].^(Etymonline)^(SOED 2002)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ The state of being related, by kinship, affinity or another alliance: the 1640s in Etymonline,^(Etymonline) 1724 in the Historical Thesaurus and Merriam-Webster Unabridged,^(HTOED)^(MWU 2024) and before 1744 in the OED.^(OED 1989) Merriam-Webster's Collegiate gives 1741.^(MW Collegiate)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ The word covers both kinship and any connection or association between things or people.^(HTOED)^(AHD) An emotional and sexual association between two people is a ''relationship'' by 1944.^(Etymonline)^(HTOED)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1640s – the state of being related.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1724 – kinship; connection.^(HTOED)^(MWU 2024)

+ * 1944 – a romantic or sexual relationship.^(Etymonline)^(HTOED)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # The condition or fact of being related; a [[connection]] or [[association]].^(AHD)^(SOED 2002)

+ # Connection by blood or marriage; [[kinship]].^(AHD)^(HTOED)

+ # The way in which people or groups deal with each other: ''a good working relationship''.^(AHD)

+ # A romantic or sexual involvement.^(AHD)^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[relate]]

+ * [[relation]]

+ * [[relative]]

+ * [[-ship]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}