Relatively
/ˈrɛlətɪvli/
Definitions
In comparison to something else; to a certain degree or extent.
/ˈrɛlətɪvli/
In relation to something else; comparatively.
The project was completed relatively quickly.
💡 Simply: Imagine you say, 'My dog is relatively big.' That means compared to other dogs, yours is a bit bigger. It's all about how things stack up against each other!
👶 For kids: It means compared to something else, like if your toy is relatively small compared to a big teddy bear.
More Examples
The cost of the car is relatively high compared to other models.
She is relatively new to the company.
How It's Used
"The weather is relatively mild today."
"Einstein's theory of relativity deals with relative motion."
Idioms & expressions
relatively speaking
Considering something in relation to other things.
"Relatively speaking, we're doing well."
From Middle English *relatyve*, from Old French *relatif* or directly from Latin *relātīvus* (“relative, pertaining to a relation”), from *relātus*, past participle of *referre* (“to refer”).
Used since the 15th century in English, reflecting its Latin origin.
Memory tip
Think of it as comparing one thing to another. It's *relative* to something else.