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

Youngsters Yutaro Tsukada, 22, and Gustavo Caraballo, 16, both started the match and looked relatively comfortable in coach Oscar Pareja’s system. —Kyle Foley, Orlando Sentinel, 26 Jan. 2025

While Weidner’s firm has taken in a relatively steady flow of money over the past six years from this kind of work — an average of roughly $450,000 in fees and expenses per year — the number of cases filed per year plummeted in 2020 and hasn’t fully recovered. —Ben Wieder, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2025

And the relatively rare women who do kill themselves with guns usually fit a certain profile. —Ariane Lange, Sacramento Bee, 26 Jan. 2025

When the ocean is relatively calm and shallow, there is also less plankton, sand, particles, and other materials constantly churning in the waves, which gives the water a clearer appearance. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 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