Word
relatively
Phoneticsrel·a·tive·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɹɛɫətɪvɫi/
UK/ɹˈɛlətˌɪvli/
Adverb of degree
Definitions
01compared to others
B2 · Upper Intermediate General-service
adv. used to describe a quality when you compare it to something else or to what is normal.
adv. in a comparative manner; used to qualify a statement by comparing it to a general standard or specific context.
日本語:比較的※
Español:relativamente
“The exam was relatively easy compared to the one we took last month.”
“While the initial investment was high, the long-term maintenance costs remained relatively low for a machine of this complexity.”
Usage
Typically modifies adjectives or other adverbs to provide a comparative context.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02somewhat or fairly
B2 · Upper Intermediate General-service
adv. to a certain degree, but not extremely.
adv. to a moderate degree; used as a submodifier to indicate 'fairly' or 'quite'.
日本語:割と※
“I am relatively new to this city, so I still use a map to find my way.”
“The results of the pilot study were relatively successful, though the researchers noted several areas requiring further refinement.”
Teaching tip
In academic writing, 'relatively' is preferred over 'fairly' or 'pretty' to express a moderate degree.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “relatively” in context.
Verb
01. relatively easily
“With the right tools, you can complete the repairs relatively easily.”
verb + adv
Adjective
02. relatively common
“Minor side effects are relatively common when starting this new medication.”
adv + adj
03. relatively complex
“The software has a relatively complex interface that takes time to master.”
adv + adj
04. relatively consistent
“His performance has been relatively consistent throughout the entire season.”
adv + adj
05. relatively small
06. relatively little
07. relatively stable
08. relatively rare
09. relatively high
10. relatively short
11. relatively simple
12. relatively young
Real-World Examples
“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.” “Wales' reservoirs are also declining, but Welsh Water says its water resource position is "relatively strong".” “Fans are a relatively cheap and energy efficient way to keep air moving and can help you stay cool.” “He is relatively lucky; carts pay street trading fees rather than soaring rents and business rates.” Etymology
From relative + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
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
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/relatively
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0