relatively

IPA/ˈrelətɪvli/
KK[rˈɛlətɪvli]IPA/ˈrelətɪvli/

relatively — adverb

1. used before an adjective or adverb to mean 'quite' or 'fairly', especially when

1.adverbB1
Definition

used before an adjective or adverb to mean 'quite' or 'fairly', especially when comparing someone or something with others of the same kind — for example, a relatively cheap restaurant or a relatively easy task.

Example

The apartment was relatively cheap compared to others in the same area.

relatively + adjective (cheap) + compared to

Yumi found the final exam relatively easy after weeks of preparation.

relatively + adjective (easy)

Synonyms
  • comparatively

    more formal, used in academic or analytical writing

  • fairly

    more common in everyday speech; does not always imply a comparison

  • somewhat

    suggests a smaller degree than 'relatively'; no explicit comparison needed

  • reasonably

    implies the degree is adequate or acceptable, not just modest

Antonyms
  • extremely

    indicates a very high degree, opposite of moderate comparison

  • absolutely

    indicates no qualification or comparison

Grammar Patterns

relatively + adjective

relatively + adverb

Usage Note

Usually placed directly before an adjective or adverb. The comparison is often made explicit with phrases like 'compared to', 'for someone', or 'in comparison with'.

Common Mistakes

This painting is relatively unique.
This painting is quite unique.
'relatively' does not work with absolute adjectives like 'unique' or 'perfect', since nothing can be 'more unique'.

2. used to introduce a statement that judges one thing by looking at it in relation

2.adverbB2
Definition

used to introduce a statement that judges one thing by looking at it in relation to other similar things, rather than in isolation — for example, saying that a problem is small when viewed against larger ones.

Example

Relatively speaking, the cost of living here is lower than in most big cities.

sentence adverb: 'Relatively speaking, ...'

The project took longer than planned but was, relatively, a great success.

parenthetical: '..., relatively, ...'

Synonyms
Antonyms
  • absolutely

    judges without reference to other things

Grammar Patterns

relatively speaking, ...

..., relatively, ...

Usage Note

Often appears at the start of a clause or set off by commas. The phrase 'relatively speaking' explicitly signals that the judgment is being made within a particular frame of reference. This sense is more common in analytical or evaluative writing.

Common Mistakes

Relatively, she is tall.' (vague — compared to whom?)
Relatively speaking, she is tall for a twelve-year-old.
the comparison frame must be clear or implied by context.
Idioms

relatively speaking

idiom

Used to compare something with other things of the same type.

Relatively speaking, this apartment is quite cheap for the area.

The exam was, relatively speaking, easier than last year's.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

All four words can soften or moderate a statement, but they differ in how and when they are used. 'Comparatively' is the closest synonym to 'relatively' and is used in the same way — it always implies an explicit or implicit comparison: 'a comparatively small house.' 'Fairly' is more common in everyday speech and does not require a comparison; it simply means 'to a moderate degree' ('fairly good weather'). 'Somewhat' suggests a slightly smaller degree and is more formal, often used in academic writing ('somewhat disappointing results'). 'Reasonably' adds a sense of adequacy or acceptability ('reasonably priced'), implying the degree is good enough even if not excellent. In conversation, when you want to soften a direct claim without specifying what you are comparing against, 'fairly' or 'reasonably' are usually the safest choices. For analytical writing where a comparison is central, 'comparatively' or 'relatively' are more precise.

comparatively ↗fairly ↗somewhat ↗reasonably ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Comes from the Latin word 'relativus', meaning 'having reference to something else'. It passed through French into English during the 1500s. The adverb form 'relatively' emerged in the 1600s, originally meaning 'in a way that relates to something', and later developed the modern sense of 'moderately' or 'comparatively'.