relatively
gb/ɹˈɛlɪtɪvli/ us/ɹˈɛlɪtɪvli/
B1
English
~ 1300
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B1
property
1
to some extent, compared
A little or somewhat, when you compare it to something else.
Usage pattern:
relatively [adjective/adverb]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'relatively' with 'relatedly', which has a different meaning.
Synonyms
comparatively (Slightly more formal; often used in writing.)
|
somewhat (Less formal and can be used without an explicit comparison.)
Antonyms
absolutely (Indicates something is completely true, without comparison or limitation.)
Collocations
relatively easy
|relatively small
|relatively high
|relatively simple
|relatively safe
Themes
comparison
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The exam was relatively easy compared to last year.
- This phone is relatively cheap for its features.
- She recovered relatively quickly after the surgery.
- The town is relatively small but very lively.
- Our costs have remained relatively stable over the past year.
Learner examples
- The test was relatively easy.
- This book is relatively short.
- He is relatively young for his job.
- The food is relatively cheap here.
- It is relatively warm today.
Grammar
Dictionary form
relatively
IPA
GB/ɹˈɛlɪtɪvli/
US/ɹˈɛlɪtɪvli/
Syllables & stress
re - l - at - ively (4 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (re)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: relatively
- Plural: relativelies
Word family
Forms
relativelies
noun
Core family
Negative and opposite forms
unrelated
adjective B2
Advanced or less common
relativity
noun C1
relational
adjective
Expressions
relatively speaking
1/ɹˈɛlɪtɪvli spˈikɪŋ/
fixed phrase
in comparison to other things
Used to say that something is true when you compare it to other things.
Examples
- Relatively speaking, this city is quite safe.
- Relatively speaking, we finished the project quickly.