Learn English – Term for a type of relationship that two parties benefit from

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Looking for a term, phrase or idiom that best describes a special type of relationship between two parties, not necessarily humans, in which both gain unprecedented benefits. However, such advantages could not be acquired without the relationship; they can continue their own ways without that. In fact, the relationship will add something invaluable.

The desired word should complete such a sentence : There is a —- relationship between concept A and B.

Best Answer

There is a relationship of synergy/ (synergistic relationship) between concept A and concept B working together.

A synergistic relationship is one where two parties, or things, working together, are able to produce a result that is greater than the sum of what they can each do individually.

It is perhaps OED sense 3 of synergy which seems relevant here:

  1. Any interaction or cooperation which is mutually reinforcing; a dynamic, productive, or profitable affinity, association, or link.

1957 R. B. Cattell Personality & Motivation xvii. 791 Immediate synergy through group membership..expresses the energy going into the group life as a result of satisfaction with fellow members.

1981 Economist 28 Nov. 19/2 Others, through mergers (eg, research houses into retail brokerage houses), have demonstrated that there is something to be said for synergy.

1990 B. Burrough & J. Helyar Barbarians at Gate xvi. 436 They had nothing in common. No synergy. No flow of ideas or people back and forth.

2006 Wall St. Jrnl. 27 Nov. r4/1 A software and hardware ‘ecosystem’ that tries to mimic the successful synergy between iTunes software and iPod gadgets

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