Definition

In a way that compares something to another thing, often to show how it is similar or different.

Example

The task was relatively easy compared to the last one we did.

Conversation

How was your weekend trip to the mountains?

It was great! The weather was relatively nice for this time of year.

That's awesome! Were there a lot of people there?

Not really, it was relatively quiet, which made it even better.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Relatively → It is formed from "relate" (from Latin "relatus", meaning to bring back or refer) and "-ively" (a suffix forming adverbs). The word "relatively" means in relation to something else or in comparison with something else.

Memory Tip

Think of how things are 'brought back' or 'referred to' in relation to one another — that's why relatively means in relation to something else.

Visually Confused Words