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

The course was among a relatively small number of 18-hole courses to debut across the U.S. in 2024, most of them high-end destination properties. —Erik Matuszewski, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024

Overall, crime in the subway is relatively rare, with trains and platforms generally as safe as any other public place in New York City. —Cedar Attanasio, Los Angeles Times, 27 Dec. 2024

Strong-armed and armed robberies and burglaries then started plaguing once relatively quiet neighborhoods throughout the eastern portion of Baltimore County. —Eric Braun, Baltimore Sun, 26 Dec. 2024

Even people with extraordinary visual recall have a relatively low information flow. —Carl Zimmer, New York Times, 26 Dec. 2024

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