Relational
/rɪˈleɪʃənəl/
Definitions
Describing something that deals with or involves connections or interactions between people or things. It signifies a dependence or link.
/rɪˈleɪʃənəl/
Concerning or involving relationships between things or people.
The success of the project depends on a relational understanding between the team members.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to understand how friends interact with each other. 'Relational' is like that – it describes how different things (people, ideas, or data) are connected to each other and how those connections work. For example, a 'relational database' tells you how different pieces of information are linked together, like a big organized family tree.
👶 For kids: When things are relational, it means they have something to do with each other. Like, your friend and you have a relational friendship because you play together!
More Examples
Relational databases are essential for managing large datasets efficiently.
Relational aggression is a type of bullying that focuses on damaging relationships.
Her research explores relational aspects of human behavior.
How It's Used
"A relational database stores data in tables with defined relationships."
"Relational therapy focuses on the dynamics between individuals."
"Relational sociology studies the relationships between individuals and social groups."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
From Latin *relatio* ('a carrying back, report, relation'), related to *referre* ('to carry back, report'). The suffix '-al' indicates 'of or pertaining to'.
The term 'relational' in this sense gained prominence with the development of relational database theory in the 1970s.
Memory tip
Think of a 'relation' or connection between things.
Word Origin
"a carrying back, report, relation"