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relatively
adverb
rel·a·tive·ly
ˈre-lə-tiv-lē
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.
Synonyms
Examples of relatively in a Sentence
these newly acquired in-laws felt relatively comfortable at our family reunion
Recent Examples on the Web
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On the flip side, though, J&J also has some relatively older drugs that face generic competition and have seen their sales fall.
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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
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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
Phrases Containing relatively
Dictionary Entries Near relatively
Cite this Entry
“Relatively.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relatively. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
relatively
adverb
rel·a·tive·ly
ˈrel-ət-iv-lē
More from Merriam-Webster on relatively
Nglish: Translation of relatively for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of relatively for Arabic Speakers
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