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

With at least 80 percent of Americans locked into their preferences, this debate matters most for the relatively small number of Americans who will tip the balance. —E.j. Dionne Jr., Washington Post, 23 June 2024

Hint: Most are white men born into relatively affluent families. —Peter Green, Quartz, 23 June 2024

Funds pool the relatively small-dollar investments from millions of people to make these purchases More about investing:When combining annuities and mutual funds makes sense, or not. —Russ Wiles, The Arizona Republic, 23 June 2024

The relatively cheap property is contrast with the overall housing market, which has grown increasingly unaffordable, especially in places like California. —Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 22 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing relatively

• relatively prime
• relatively speaking

Kids Definition

relatively

adverb

rel·​a·​tive·​ly

ˈrel-ət-iv-lē

: somewhat entry 2