relational

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relational" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts related to relationships, connections, or data structures, such as in psychology, sociology, or computer science. Example: "The study focused on the relational dynamics between family members and their impact on individual well-being."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It escapes from all attempts to exhibit it by analysis as one or more elements in a relational scheme, or as that scheme itself, or as a relation or relations, or as the sum or collection of any of these abstractions.

SEP

The claim, then, can be reformulated so that in all cases where there is a change in relation, some non-relational change has to take place in some of the entities which stand in relation to each other, hence there cannot be a strictly and exclusively relational component which solely by changing in and of itself would bring about relational change.

SEP

New forms of making change happen are going to be more horizontal, networked, relational.

The Guardian

They have a concept of a person that is neither just a commodity nor an administrative unit, but a relational being capable of power and responsibility and of living with others in civic peace and prosperity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Computer Associates spent a fortune trying to marry the two approaches before backing pure object-oriented Jasmine.In some ways, today's suppliers of relational databases are like the original developers of flat-file databases in the early 1980s.

The Economist

SAP's software dispenses with the separate "relational databases" where the data behind such transactions are typically stored, and instead retains the data within the server's memory.

The Economist

If SAP's approach proves successful, the makers of software for relational databases could lose some of their clout.

The Economist

"Just look at what has happened to relational databases," said one reader.

The Economist

To interpret the results, they used racial diversity as a proxy for general social dissimilarity (previous research has shown, they say, that "racial diversity is often associated with relational challenges including greater conflict, lower cohesion, and lower-quality communication").

The Economist

Relational bullying, like exclusion, can be even more torturing than physical bullying.Cyberbullying is the new type of extended victimisation.

The Economist

All the leading suppliers have been trying to add object-orientation to their relational products.So far, however, developers have found that extracting information from a relational database becomes extremely complicated when it includes objects.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing databases, use "relational" to emphasize the structured relationships between data tables.

Common error

Avoid using "relational" when you simply mean 'related'. "Relational" implies a specific type of relationship, often involving structured connections or dependencies. Use 'related' for general associations.

Linguistic Context

The term "relational" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate a connection, relationship, or dependency. As Ludwig AI suggests, it signifies something pertaining to relationships, whether in the context of data structures, interpersonal dynamics, or philosophical concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "relational" is a versatile adjective used to describe connections and dependencies. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable, spanning from technical fields like database management to social and philosophical discussions. Usage contexts vary, with the term frequently appearing in science, news, and business, demanding careful consideration of register. When writing, ensure "relational" accurately reflects the intended interconnectedness and avoid misusing it for simple associations. Explore alternatives such as "connected", "interconnected", or "associated" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

linked

Suggests a bond or tie, often direct and explicit.

connected

Emphasizes a direct link or association between entities.

interconnected

Highlights mutual connections and dependencies.

interdependent

Similar to interconnected but stresses necessity of the connections

associated

Suggests a relationship or correlation, but may not imply a strong connection.

dependent

Stresses reliance or contingency between elements.

relative

Indicates that something is understood or defined in relation to something else.

interactive

Focuses on reciprocal action or influence between components.

correlated

Implies a statistical relationship or pattern.

reciprocal

Highlights mutual exchange or action.

FAQs

How is "relational" used in database terminology?

In the context of databases, "relational" describes a database system that organizes data into tables with rows and columns, where relationships between the data are explicitly defined. It contrasts with non-relational databases which use other data structures.

What does "relational" mean in social contexts?

In social contexts, "relational" refers to the nature of relationships between individuals or groups. It emphasizes how people connect, interact, and influence each other. Think of alternatives such as "interpersonal" or "connected" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "relational" and "related"?

"Relational" implies a specific kind of connection, often involving structured relationships or dependencies. "Related" is a more general term for any association. For example, "relational database" versus "related documents".

Can I use "relational" to describe something that is friendly?

Yes, one definition of "relational" is 'friendly and peaceful'. However, this usage is less common. In most contexts, especially technical ones, "relational" refers to relationships or connections between things.