DictionaryAI

relatively

adverb
REL-uh-tiv-lee/ˈɹɛl.ə.tɪv.li/

1 meaning of relatively

Practice

  1. 1
    adverb
    Fairly or somewhat, judged in comparison with other things or with what is usual rather than in absolute terms.

    The procedure is relatively painless and takes only a few minutes.

    Despite the storm, traffic moved relatively smoothly during the evening commute.

    UsageUsually before an adjective or adverb: relatively cheap, relatively smoothly. Some critics want a real comparison behind it.

    Note

    Some usage critics object to this weakened use. They argue that the word should promise a real comparison with something named or understood, rather than simply soften an adjective. It turns up readily in magazine and news writing all the same: a motorcycle that leans into a corner "relatively quickly," staff in "relatively new offices."

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Origin

Formed from "relative" plus the suffix "-ly."

Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 1 fact