relation
/rɪˈleɪʃn; rɪ`leʃən/ n
1 [U] ~ (between sth and sth); ~ (to sth) way in which one person or thing is related to another; similarity, contrast or connection between people, things or events （人或事物与他者的）联系, 关联, 关系
the relation between rainfall and crop production 降雨量与作物产量之间的关系
The cost of this project bears/has/shows no relation to the results, ie It does not justify them. 此项目的费用与其成果不相称.
2
(a) [C] person who is related to another; relative 亲戚; 亲属
a close/near/distant relation of mine 我的近亲[较近的亲戚/远亲]
a relation by marriage/law 姻亲.
(b) [U] family connection; kinship 亲戚关系; 亲属关系
Is he any relation (to you)? 他（跟你）是亲戚吗?
He's no relation (to me). 他（跟我）不是亲戚.
What relation are you (to each other)? ie How are you related? 你们（彼此之间）是什麽亲属关系?
3 relations [pl]
~s (between sb/sth and sb/sth); ~s (with sb/sth) links or contacts between people, groups, countries, etc; dealings （人、 团体、 国家等之间的）关系, 联系; 交往
diplomatic, international, business relations 外交、 国际、 业务关系
the friendly relations (existing) between our countries 我们国家之间（存在的）友好关系
Relations are rather strained (ie difficult or awkward) at present. 目前关系有些紧张.
break off (all) relations with one's family 与家庭断绝了（一切）联系.
4 (idm 习语) have (sexual) relations (with sb) have intercourse (with sb) 与（某人）发生（性）关系; 与（某人）性交. in/with relation to sb/sth (fml 文) concerning sb/sth; with reference to sb/sth 与某人[某事物]有关; 涉及某人[某事物]. a poor relation => poor. relation, NOTE ON USAGE 用法
Compare relation, relationsand relationship. 试比较relation、 relations、 relationship这三个词. Relationship has the widest use, covering many of the meanings of relation and relations. *relationship用法最广, 包括了relation和relations的许多含义.
1 Relation and relationshipcan be used of family connections *relation和relationship可用以表示亲属关系
A relation of mine is coming to stay. 我有个亲戚要来此暂住.
`What's your relationship to her?' `She's my cousin.' ｀你跟她是什麽亲戚?＇｀她是我的表妹.＇
2 Relationship can indicate a strong emotional association *relationship可以指强烈的感情联系
Their relationship has lasted many years. 他们的感情已有很多年了.
3 When speaking about less personal associations or friendships, relations or relationship is used 若不侧重个人关系或友谊时, 可用relations或relationship
Relations with the USSR are improving. 与苏联的关系正在改善.
Britain has a unique relationship with the USA. 英国与美国之间的关系很特殊.
4 Relation and relationship can indicate a similarity or correspondence between things *relation和relationship可以表示事物之间的相似处或一致性
Some people say that there's no relation/relationship between violence on television and crimes of violence. 有些人说电视中的暴力镜头与生活中的暴力犯罪并无关系.