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Meaning & use

forge relationships

phrase·Advanced

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UK/ˌfɔːdʒ rɪˈleɪʃənʃɪps/
US/ˌfɔːrdʒ rɪˈleɪʃənʃɪps/

Meanings

  1. phrasefixed phrase

    to create and develop strong personal or professional connections with people over time

    Grammar: Used with a plural object or a singular with 'a': forge relationships with someone. Often followed by 'with'.

    Patterns

    • forge relationships with someone
    • forge a relationship with someone

    The new manager spent her first month forging relationships with local community leaders.

    Studying abroad helped him forge relationships that lasted well beyond his university years.

    The company aims to forge relationships with suppliers in Southeast Asia.

  2. phrasefixed phraseformal

    to establish official or diplomatic links between groups or countries

    Grammar: Often used in political or business writing; the object is usually 'links', 'ties', or 'relationships'.

    Patterns

    • forge relationships between groups
    • forge relationships across borders

    The summit was seen as a chance to forge relationships between the two governments.

    Trade delegations can forge relationships that ordinary diplomacy cannot.

Common combinations

forge close relationships
She forged close relationships with her colleagues during the project.
forge new relationships
The networking event is a great way to forge new relationships.
forge lasting relationships
The program helps students forge lasting relationships with mentors.
forge relationships with clients
Sales representatives must forge relationships with clients to succeed.

Synonyms and how they differ

build relationships
More general and neutral; 'forge' suggests effort and strength, often from nothing.
establish relationships
More formal and official; 'forge' is warmer and suggests a gradual process.
cultivate relationships
Suggests careful, deliberate attention over time; 'forge' emphasizes creating something durable.

Opposites

break relationshipsdestroy relationships

Word family

forging noun
The act of creating something strong, often used in metalwork or relationship-building.
forged adjective
Created or shaped, often used for metal objects or strong links.

Commonly confused: forge relationships or fake relationships?

forge relationships vs fake relationships

Not a common phrase; 'forge' means to create genuinely, not to fake.

Practice

Complete the sentence: The charity hopes to ______ relationships with local schools.

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