relatively
relatively — adverb
1. used before an adjective or adverb to mean 'quite' or 'fairly', especially when
used before an adjective or adverb to mean 'quite' or 'fairly', especially when comparing someone or something with others of the same kind — for example, a relatively cheap restaurant or a relatively easy task.
The apartment was relatively cheap compared to others in the same area.
relatively + adjective (cheap) + compared to
Yumi found the final exam relatively easy after weeks of preparation.
relatively + adjective (easy)
Despite the long flight, the jet lag was relatively mild and passed quickly.
Felix earns a relatively high salary for someone with only two years of experience.
The old wooden chair was surprisingly strong and relatively light to carry.
- comparatively
more formal, used in academic or analytical writing
- fairly
more common in everyday speech; does not always imply a comparison
- somewhat
suggests a smaller degree than 'relatively'; no explicit comparison needed
- reasonably
implies the degree is adequate or acceptable, not just modest
- extremely
indicates a very high degree, opposite of moderate comparison
- absolutely
indicates no qualification or comparison
文法句型
relatively + adjective
relatively + adverb
用法筆記
Usually placed directly before an adjective or adverb. The comparison is often made explicit with phrases like 'compared to', 'for someone', or 'in comparison with'.
常見錯誤
2. used to introduce a statement that judges one thing by looking at it in relation
used to introduce a statement that judges one thing by looking at it in relation to other similar things, rather than in isolation — for example, saying that a problem is small when viewed against larger ones.
Relatively speaking, the cost of living here is lower than in most big cities.
sentence adverb: 'Relatively speaking, ...'
The project took longer than planned but was, relatively, a great success.
parenthetical: '..., relatively, ...'
Christopher looked at both job offers and chose the one that was, relatively, better.
Hui's team was small but, relatively, they achieved more than any other group.
Reema saw that profits were up, relatively, even though the market had slowed.
- comparatively speaking
more explicit; slightly more formal
- in relative terms
typically used in financial or statistical contexts
- proportionally
suggests a mathematical or exact ratio rather than a general comparison
- absolutely
judges without reference to other things
文法句型
relatively speaking, ...
..., relatively, ...
用法筆記
Often appears at the start of a clause or set off by commas. The phrase 'relatively speaking' explicitly signals that the judgment is being made within a particular frame of reference. This sense is more common in analytical or evaluative writing.