relatively speaking

phrase

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 speaking in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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That’s notable when looking at more – relatively speaking – affordable rights like the English Premier (up for a new deal after the 2027-28 season) and Major League Soccer (reworked Apple deal now ends after the 2028-29 campaign). John Cassillo, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Relatively speaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relatively%20speaking. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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