relatively
Used to describe a quality or quantity in comparison to something else or to a standard. It indicates that something is true to a certain degree when measured against other similar things.
The word 'relatively' allows you to describe things in context rather than in absolute, isolated terms.
Mot en 30 secondes
- Compares a quality to a standard or other similar items.
- Modifies adjectives to show a degree of something.
- Means 'to a certain extent' when compared to others.
- Often used to make descriptions more precise and objective.
Summary
The word 'relatively' allows you to describe things in context rather than in absolute, isolated terms.
- Compares a quality to a standard or other similar items.
- Modifies adjectives to show a degree of something.
- Means 'to a certain extent' when compared to others.
- Often used to make descriptions more precise and objective.
Use to provide a balanced perspective
Use 'relatively' when you want to be accurate. For example, a $50 dinner is 'relatively cheap' for a five-star restaurant but 'expensive' for a fast-food joint.
Avoid using with absolute adjectives
Do not use 'relatively' with words like 'unique,' 'perfect,' or 'dead.' These words do not have degrees of comparison.
Nuance in professional communication
In English-speaking workplaces, 'relatively' is used to avoid sounding too aggressive or certain, showing that you have considered different factors.
Exemples
4 sur 4The exam was relatively simple, so most students passed.
Our company has remained relatively stable despite the economic downturn.
I'm feeling relatively good today after being sick all week.
Relatively few species can survive in such extreme temperatures.
Famille de mots
Astuce mémo
Think of your 'relatives' (family). You are tall or short 'relatively' to your family members. Use 'relatively' when you are comparing one thing to its family of similar things.
Overview
'Relatively' is an essential adverb in English used to provide context to a description. Instead of stating that something is an absolute fact (e.g., 'The car is cheap'), 'relatively' frames the statement within a comparison (e.g., 'The car is relatively cheap'). It suggests that compared to other cars, the price is low, even if it might still be a large amount of money in absolute terms.
Usage Patterns
This word most frequently modifies adjectives and other adverbs. It is commonly followed by adjectives describing size, difficulty, speed, or cost. For example, 'relatively small,' 'relatively easy,' and 'relatively quickly.' It can also be used to modify 'few' or 'little' to indicate a small amount in comparison to a larger expected total, such as 'relatively few people attended.'
Common Contexts
You will encounter 'relatively' in a wide range of settings. In academic and scientific writing, it is used to maintain objectivity and precision, acknowledging that measurements are often contextual. In business, it helps compare performance or costs against previous quarters or competitors. In daily conversation, it acts as a hedge or a way to soften a statement, making it sound less extreme or more accurate based on the speaker's experience.
Similar Words Comparison
While 'relatively' is often used interchangeably with 'fairly' or 'quite,' there is a subtle difference. 'Fairly' simply suggests a moderate degree. 'Relatively,' however, explicitly invokes a comparison. If you say a task is 'fairly easy,' you are describing its nature. If you say it is 'relatively easy,' you are implying it is easier than other tasks or easier than you expected it to be. Another similar word, 'comparatively,' is a direct synonym but tends to be used in slightly more formal or technical contexts.
Notes d'usage
In academic writing, 'relatively' is preferred over 'pretty' or 'kind of' because it sounds more objective. It is often used to qualify a statement so that the writer does not sound like they are over-generalizing. It is almost always placed immediately before the adjective it modifies.
Erreurs courantes
A common error is using 'relatively' alongside another comparative word like 'more' (e.g., 'relatively more better'). This is redundant. Another mistake is using it as an adjective (e.g., 'a relatively price') instead of the adverbial form.
Astuce mémo
Think of your 'relatives' (family). You are tall or short 'relatively' to your family members. Use 'relatively' when you are comparing one thing to its family of similar things.
Origine du mot
Derived from the Latin 'relativus,' meaning 'having reference or relation,' combined with the English suffix '-ly' to form an adverb.
Contexte culturel
In many English-speaking cultures, using 'relatively' is a sign of 'hedging,' which is a polite way to express opinions or facts without being overly blunt or dogmatic.
Exemples
The exam was relatively simple, so most students passed.
everydayOur company has remained relatively stable despite the economic downturn.
formalI'm feeling relatively good today after being sick all week.
informalRelatively few species can survive in such extreme temperatures.
academicFamille de mots
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
relatively speaking
relatively minor
stay relatively calm
Souvent confondu avec
These are very similar, but 'comparatively' is often used when an explicit comparison has already been mentioned.
This means 'in a way that is related to the topic,' whereas 'relatively' means 'in comparison to something else.'
Modèles grammaticaux
Use to provide a balanced perspective
Use 'relatively' when you want to be accurate. For example, a $50 dinner is 'relatively cheap' for a five-star restaurant but 'expensive' for a fast-food joint.
Avoid using with absolute adjectives
Do not use 'relatively' with words like 'unique,' 'perfect,' or 'dead.' These words do not have degrees of comparison.
Nuance in professional communication
In English-speaking workplaces, 'relatively' is used to avoid sounding too aggressive or certain, showing that you have considered different factors.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
The new software update was ___ easy to install compared to the last one.
We need an adverb to modify the adjective 'easy.' 'Relatively' is the adverb form.
Which sentence uses 'relatively' correctly?
Select the best option:
In this sentence, 'relatively' correctly modifies the adjective 'high' to provide a comparison.
Put the words in the correct order.
stayed / the / night / relatively / calm / weather / during / the
The standard sentence structure is Subject (the weather) + Verb (stayed) + Adverb/Adjective phrase (relatively calm).
Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsNo, it depends on the adjective it modifies. 'Relatively large' means something is big compared to others, while 'relatively small' means it is small by comparison.
It is rarely used to modify verbs directly. It almost always modifies adjectives (relatively hot) or adverbs (relatively well).
'Very' emphasizes a high degree in an absolute sense, while 'relatively' emphasizes the degree in relation to something else.
It is neutral. It is perfectly acceptable in both casual conversation and highly formal academic papers.
