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 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 See all Example Sentences for relatively 

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 31 Oct. 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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