Relation functions intransitively as an ontology, not as a link between terms.

Evidence

To the extent that our consciousness of Relation is total, that is, immediate and focusing directly upon the realizable totality of the world, when we speak of a poetics of Relation, we no longer need to add: relation between what and what? This is why the French word Relation, which functions somewhat like an intransitive verb, could not correspond, for example, to the English term relationship. — Édouard Glissant, Poetics of Relation, 197

Categorization

• DEFINE: Precise gloss distinguishing Glissant’s intransitive ‘Relation’ from merely relational ties — exactly the conceptual work strategic essentialism needs.
• XREF: connects to: Meaning arises from relations of difference between terms; No fixed symbolic relationships hold constant meaning across individual cases; Relation forms a self-sustaining generative system rather than a static being (+2 more)

Broader Connections

• Meaning arises from relations of difference between terms #corroborates (0.82)
• Relation forms a self-sustaining generative system rather than a static being #qualifies (0.75)
• No fixed symbolic relationships hold constant meaning across individual cases #corroborates (0.72)