relatively

adverb

rel·​a·​tive·​ly ˈre-lə-tiv-lē 

: 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.

Synonyms

• enough
• fairly
• kind of
• kindly [chiefly Southern]
• like
• moderately
• more or less
• pretty
• quite
• rather
• something
• somewhat
• sort of

Examples of relatively in a Sentence

these newly acquired in-laws felt relatively comfortable at our family reunion

Recent Examples on the Web

The rest of the race was relatively comfortable for the 30-year-old as all of the drama unfolded behind him. —Sam Joseph, CNN, 28 Oct. 2024

Travelers can choose from the following four types of ski vacations: The All American Ski Vacation There are 480 ski resorts in the U.S. according to the National Ski Areas Association, a number that has remained relatively steady over the years. —Roger Sands, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024

The president has campaigned some for Harris but has stayed relatively out of the spotlight during the final weeks of the race. —Christian Datoc, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Oct. 2024

The relationship began serendipitously when a relatively unknown van der Straeten visited Pucci’s gallery at 44 West 18th Street, hoping to show his portfolio to Pucci. —David Moin, WWD, 28 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing relatively

• relatively prime

Kids Definition

relatively

adverb

rel·​a·​tive·​ly

ˈrel-ət-iv-lē

: somewhat entry 2