Word
comparatively
Phoneticscom·par·a·tive·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/kəmˈpɛɹətɪvɫi/
UK/kəmpˈæɹətˌɪvli/
Adverb of degree
Definition
adv. used to describe a quality when you compare it to something else.
adv. to a moderate or relative degree when measured against a standard or similar entities.
Examples
“This car is comparatively cheap.”
“The new software is comparatively easy to learn for users who have tried older versions.”
“While the initial costs were high, the long-term savings made the investment comparatively attractive to risk-averse stakeholders.”
Examples
simple
“This car is comparatively cheap.”
contextual
“The new software is comparatively easy to learn for users who have tried older versions.”
complex
“While the initial costs were high, the long-term savings made the investment comparatively attractive to risk-averse stakeholders.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “comparatively” in context.
Adjective
01. comparatively low
“The cost of living in this city is comparatively low compared to the capital.”
adv + adj
Usage
typically placed before an adjective or another adverb to modify its intensity.
Teaching tip
this is a high-frequency word in academic writing; it is often used as a more formal synonym for 'relatively'.
Real-World Examples
“For clubs accustomed to paying tens of millions for established first-team players, spreading comparatively modest sums across several promising teenagers offers obvious appeal.” “Until then, she is embracing a comparatively quiet life and enjoying not being recognised in public, adding: “It’s so different [here].” Etymology
From comparative + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/comparatively