relatively

adverb

rel·​a·​tive·​ly ˈre-lə-tiv-lē How to pronounce relatively (audio)
: 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.

Examples of relatively in a Sentence

these newly acquired in-laws felt relatively comfortable at our family reunion
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As Bitcoin Suddenly Surges Toward $100,000 Price Now Hackers Are Using Snail Mail In Cyber Attacks—Here’s How On the flip side, though, J&J also has some relatively older drugs that face generic competition and have seen their sales fall. Trefis Team, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 He was backed by five, relatively understated by contrast, musicians who ripped. Ramon Ramirez, Austin American-Statesman, 21 Nov. 2024 For starters, its enormous August-September 2024 poll of almost 100,000 likely voters provides relatively large samples of Latino, Black and Asian Americans. Michael Tesler, ABC News, 20 Nov. 2024 The daughter of an art director for an advertising agency, Cundy had gone to a Catholic school and lived a relatively sheltered life. Meg Walters, Glamour, 20 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for relatively 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of relatively was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near relatively

Cite this Entry

“Relatively.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relatively. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

relatively

adverb
rel·​a·​tive·​ly
ˈrel-ət-iv-lē

More from Merriam-Webster on relatively

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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