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

Rethinking Returns on Investment The modern belief that science must deliver measurable economic returns is, historically speaking, a relatively recent development. —John Drake, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025

Rival electric car company Xpeng is due Wednesday to release the Max version of its relatively popular Mona M03 car. —Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 26 May 2025

Yet for too many today, such a purchase at a relatively young age is increasingly out of reach. —Shawnna Lm Bolick, National Review, 25 May 2025

These single-engine planes are popular among aviation enthusiasts due to their relatively simple design and construction process. —Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 May 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