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

The four pairs who are headed to the finale are all relatively new couples, and there are two Casa Amor bombshells, Bryan and Chris. —Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025

The Final Frontier With his new simulation, Williams had proved a positive result about the computational power of space: Algorithms that use relatively little space can solve all problems that require a somewhat larger amount of time. —Ben Brubaker, Wired News, 13 July 2025

The ultimate fixes are not going to be easy to implement, but are relatively straightforward to identify, starting with leadership that is actually committed to improving things, which is why Swain’s earlier move to institute a receiver in all but name was positive. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 13 July 2025

That lull, when the cabin is dim, quiet, and relatively still, is prime bathroom time. —Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 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