Definition

Adverb: In a relative manner; by comparison to something else. Used to indicate that something is true or applicable to a certain degree when compared with other things, but not absolutely.

Usage

"Relatively" is used to modify adjectives or other adverbs to show that the quality they describe is not absolute but is considered in comparison to something else, often an implied standard or other examples. It makes a statement less strong or definitive.

Examples

• Adverb:
  • The exam was relatively easy compared to the practice tests. (The difficulty is judged in comparison to the practice tests.)
  • She is relatively new to the team, having joined just last month. (Her newness is considered in the context of the team's overall tenure.)
  • For a major city, the cost of living here is relatively low. (The cost is assessed by comparing it to other major cities.)

Advanced Usage

• "Relatively speaking": This phrase is used to emphasize that a statement is being made from a comparative perspective and not an absolute one.
  • The project is, relatively speaking, a minor setback. (This means the setback is minor when compared to other possible problems or to the overall scale of work.)

Variants and Related Words

• Relative (adjective): Considered in relation or in proportion to something else.
  • They live in relative comfort. (Their comfort is judged in comparison to a certain standard, such as their past situation or others' situations.)
• Relation (noun): The way in which two or more things are connected.
• Relativity (noun): The absence of standards of absolute and universal application. (This is also a key concept in physics, but that is a specialized scientific term.)

Synonyms

• Comparatively: In a relative manner; by comparison.
  • The task was comparatively simple.
• Fairly: To a moderately high degree. (Note: "Fairly" can sometimes be stronger than "relatively" and can imply a degree close to "very," while "relatively" emphasizes the comparative aspect more.)
  • It's a fairly common problem.
• Reasonably: To a moderate or acceptable degree.
  • The hotel was reasonably priced.

Antonyms

• Absolutely: With no qualification, restriction, or limitation; totally.
  • The statement is absolutely true.
• Completely: Totally; entirely.
• Utterly: Completely and without qualification; absolutely.

Adverb

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