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

Some homes and businesses bounced back relatively quickly, while others languished in complicated situations with insurance companies and a drought of cash flow. —Gwen Rockwood, Arkansas Online, 15 May 2025

The momentum is especially fast-paced, almost overly so, at the beginning, but the film settles over time into the relatively pleasant feel of a runaway train. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 15 May 2025

Buddy Hield has been relatively quiet since scoring 24 points in Game 1, while Brandin Podziemski and Draymond Green are averaging 7.5 and 10.8 points per game, respectively, in this matchup. —Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025

When approached from the relatively flat plain to the east, the pit appears suddenly beneath a small rise. —Michael Ray Taylor, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 May 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