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

While the concept of a unisex scent is relatively tame in 2025, the fragrance still holds up. —Ariel Wodarcyk, Glamour, 2 May 2025

That’s also true of the relatively small number of people who actually vote in Democratic primaries. —Bradley Tusk, New York Daily News, 2 May 2025

The price of food has remained relatively steady since January. Diner staples, including tomatoes, bread and chicken saw flat or decreasing prices, while a dozen eggs are up 26%. —Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 2 May 2025

Norwegian series had actually flown relatively quietly under the radar during a week that saw Josh Holloway, Beau Willimon, Jane Tranter and several other big names stopping on the Croisette beach for photo ops and moments on the pink carpet. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 2 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