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

When Fernando Torres was sold within months of its takeover that October, guards went straight back up, even though the money received for the striker was invested elsewhere in the market, albeit on relatively raw talent. —Simon Hughes, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025

The locals are partial to cowboy hats and other attire that would blend into the sartorial landscape in (relatively) nearby rural Nevada and Oregon. —David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025

Both cities had relatively low overdose death rates compared to national averages. —Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2025

Waterspouts become favorable when water temperatures are warm, the air is cold and moist, and wind speeds are relatively light. —Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 4 Sep. 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