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 of relatively

• 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

And then there's his relatively youthful age of 34 - which was part of his appeal for young voters, but more off-putting to chief executives who may be decades older. —NPR, 6 Nov. 2025

Much of it is relatively functional – insofar as clients pay several hundred dollars to be transported in bare-bones conditions to Libya’s coast, and onto an overcrowded inflatable dingy bound for Italy or Greece. —Mick Krever, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025

Waterspouts become favorable when water temperatures are warm, the air is cold and moist, and wind speeds are relatively light. —Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 6 Nov. 2025

Can Improve Your Mood A relatively short stretching session may help improve your mood. —Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 6 Nov. 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