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

1. in a relative manner; by comparison to something else
   • the situation is relatively calm now