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

Originally included in Windows 3.0 in 1990, developers hoped Solitaire would help beginner computer users get familiar with the functionality of a mouse – a relatively new tool for people at the time. —Ariana Torrey, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2025

Modern enterprise workflows follow a relatively linear model where junior staff enable transactional processes including data collection. —Abdi Goodarzi, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025

But podcasting still seemed like a relatively modest offshoot of magazines and public radio. —Eric Benson, Rolling Stone, 18 Aug. 2025

Instead, Sunday’s finale ended in a three-game sweep — and a relatively convincing one, at that. —Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 18 Aug. 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