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

Smith noted that a current assumption in aging science is that if a person lives to be 80 years old, 60 of those years may be healthy, and the last 25% will be in relatively ill-health. —Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 30 Oct. 2025

Born enslaved around 1800 in Edgefield, South Carolina, a region known for its rich clay, Drake (who was also known as Dave the Potter) was one of relatively few African American potters to sign his work. —Jori Finkel, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025

The study was also relatively short, with longer follow-up trials needed to confirm the results. —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 30 Oct. 2025

In Brock’s relatively short time in Class 4A Division II, the Eagles have developed quite the rivalry with the Graham Steers. —Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Oct. 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