relatively
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
used to describe a quality when you compare it to something else or to what is normal.
in a comparative manner; used to qualify a statement by comparing it to a general standard or specific context.
Simple“The exam was relatively easy compared to the one we took last month.”
In context“While the initial investment was high, the long-term maintenance costs remained relatively low for a machine of this complexity.”
UsageTypically modifies adjectives or other adverbs to provide a comparative context.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
to a certain degree, but not extremely.
to a moderate degree; used as a submodifier to indicate 'fairly' or 'quite'.
Simple“I am relatively new to this city, so I still use a map to find my way.”
In context“The results of the pilot study were relatively successful, though the researchers noted several areas requiring further refinement.”
Teacher's tipIn academic writing, 'relatively' is preferred over 'fairly' or 'pretty' to express a moderate degree.
Usage relatively small · relatively little · relatively stable
“Some of the settlers move to the occupied territories for religious reasons while others are drawn by the relatively lower cost of living and financial incentives offered by the government.”
“It was his fault.” Coming out was relatively plain sailing, but there was a crisis ahead.”
From relative + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.