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

The concern level is relatively low at the moment, but Kranick had Tommy John surgery in 2022, so the Mets are exercising caution. —Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 20 June 2025

Senate proceedings were relatively drama free, compared to previous markups and committee deliberations. —Cleve Mesidor, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025

These costs are ultimately reflected in the world’s highest per-capita health care bill, with relatively poor health outcomes. —Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 June 2025

Now under new management, however, the Islanders could avail themselves of a relatively favorable buyout structure and grant Engvall a fresh start during this buyout window. —Harman Dayal, New York Times, 19 June 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