comparatively
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adverb 1. To a moderate degree when measured against something else; in a relative manner. It indicates that something is being judged or described not in absolute terms, but by considering its relation to another standard, group, or previous state.
Usage
- Use "comparatively" to introduce a comparison, often implying that the quality described is notable or surprising when viewed in context.
- It is typically placed before an adjective or adverb it modifies (e.g., , ).
- It can also be used to modify an entire clause, often followed by a comma.
Examples
- Modifying an adjective:
- The test was comparatively easy after all that studying.
- For a large city, the cost of living here is comparatively low.
- He recovered comparatively quickly from the surgery.
- Modifying an adverb:
- The new system works comparatively well.
- Modifying a clause:
- Comparatively, few people attended the event this year.
Advanced Usage
- "Comparatively speaking": This phrase is used to explicitly frame the following statement as a relative judgment.
- The workload this semester is light, comparatively speaking.
- In academic or formal writing, "comparatively" is used to make measured, qualified assertions based on analysis.
- The study found comparatively higher levels of satisfaction in the experimental group.
Variants and Related Words
- Comparative (Adjective): Measured or judged by comparison; relative. (e.g., )
- Compare (Verb): To examine the similarities or differences between two or more things.
- Comparison (Noun): The act or process of comparing.
Synonyms
- Relatively
- Fairly (in the sense of moderately)
- Reasonably
Antonyms
- Absolutely
- Completely
- Utterly
Related Phrases / Constructions
- By comparison: A prepositional phrase with a similar meaning, often used to start a sentence or clause.
- The first task was difficult. By comparison, the second was simple.
Adverb
- in a relative manner; by comparison to something else
- the situation is relatively calm now