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Definition of poor relation noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

poor relation

noun
 
/ˌpɔː rɪˈleɪʃn/,
 
/ˌpʊə rɪˈleɪʃn/
 
/ˌpʊr rɪˈleɪʃn/,
 
/ˌpɔːr rɪˈleɪʃn/
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  1. something that is not treated with as much respect as other similar things because it is not thought to be as good, important or successful
    • The short story is often considered to be a poor relation to the novel.
    Extra Examples
    • Our branch of the family was always regarded as the poor relations.
    • He believes that interior design is the poor relation of architecture.
    • Other sparkling wines are often considered the poor relations of champagne.
    Topics Difficulty and failurec2
See poor relation in the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary
previously
adverb
 
 
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