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

• pretty
• quite
• fairly
• rather
• somewhat
• enough
• something

Examples of relatively in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Getting in five or 10 hits against a boss might be relatively simple, but getting in 50 or so before dying yourself often requires near-perfect levels of focus and execution across multiple challenging attack phases. —ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2025

If even such a relatively stable sector begins to falter, the overall impact on the labor market could be significant. —CNBC, 11 Sep. 2025

Innovations In Chemical And Physical Recycling Chemical Recycling is a relatively new technology designed to convert material waste at a molecular level to produce virgin-quality raw materials. —Han Hendriks, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025

Those relatively few poachers who do face justice often walk with minor fines and other penalties. —Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 11 Sep. 2025

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