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 burrow system itself provides an insulating environment that helps moderate temperature fluctuations, allowing prairie dogs to remain relatively stable even as external conditions become extreme. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 15 Sep. 2024

River otters are relatively common throughout Washington and can be found in fresh, brackish or saltwater habitats, according to the agency. —Rebekah Riess, CNN, 14 Sep. 2024

People who have had many concussions over a relatively short period tend to take longer to recover from subsequent ones. —Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2024

But, especially after the Devonian Period, their essential shape hasn’t changed much — which suggests that evolution matched their body with a relatively stable living environment. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 13 Sep. 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