relatively

adverb

rel·​a·​tive·​ly ˈre-lə-tiv-lē How to pronounce relatively (audio)
: to a relative degree or extent : somewhat
a relatively small group of people
relatively cool weather
The house is relatively new.
Phrases
relatively speaking
1
: when compared to others that are similar
The procedure was quick, relatively speaking.
Relatively speaking, the movie wasn't bad.
2
used to say that something is true or correct as a general statement even if it is not entirely true or correct
The trip was, relatively speaking, a disaster.

Examples of relatively in a Sentence

these newly acquired in-laws felt relatively comfortable at our family reunion
Recent Examples on the Web That performance remained relatively steady throughout the rest of 2021, as Hawkeye’s holiday release served as the studio’s fifth series that year. Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Mar. 2024 The Trojans are in a relatively light regional where the toughest challenges will probably come from underwhelming UConn and slumping Ohio State. Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2024 But the electric-vehicle space in general is having a difficult time, and, relatively speaking, Elon Musk’s carmaker is sitting pretty, believes one industry observer. Steve Mollman, Fortune, 17 Mar. 2024 Unlike other towns within commutable distance to Chicago and with similar amenities, Park Ridge's real estate market is relatively affordable — the median home value is around $480,000, and there are many neighborhoods to choose from. Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 16 Mar. 2024 Outside experts said this larger sample size helps understand how brains work in people with ADHD, even though the results were relatively small because people were resting during the MRI scans and not active. Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 16 Mar. 2024 There are only two gun stores in the country where vetted citizens can purchase a limited number of relatively small-caliber weapons. Ieva Jusionyte, The Mercury News, 15 Mar. 2024 After severe thunderstorms Thursday night, expect a relatively cool and dry St. Patrick's Day weekend. Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 15 Mar. 2024 Lacy said this is a relatively unpopulated and rural area of the high desert. Ben Brasch, Washington Post, 14 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'relatively.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of relatively was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near relatively

Cite this Entry

“Relatively.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relatively. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

relatively

adverb
rel·​a·​tive·​ly
ˈrel-ət-iv-lē

More from Merriam-Webster on relatively

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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