In the cases where they are reasonably synonymous,
relationship tends to refer to people and also suggests (to me) a greater complexity of
relations (definition #1)--
Quick definitions (
relation)
| noun: an abstraction belonging to or characteristic of two entities or parts together
noun: (usually plural) mutual dealings or connections among persons or groups (Example: "International relations") |
Quick definitions (
relationship)
| noun: 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) (Example: "The relationship between mothers and their children")
noun: a state of connectedness between people (especially an emotional connection) (Example: "He didn't want his wife to know of the relationship")
noun: a state involving mutual dealings between people or parties or countries |