What is relatively? Pronunciation and usage in English

relatively means . Learn how to pronounce and use relatively through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of relatively

relativelyadverb

/ˈrɛlətɪvli/
Definition & pronunciation of relatively

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "relatively" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown with phonetic spelling and tips:

1. Phonetic Spelling (Closest to how a native speaker would say it):

  • /riˈle.tɪv.li

2. Word-by-Word Breakdown:

  • re-: Pronounced like the "re" in "red" – a short, quick sound.
  • lat-: Pronounced like "lat" as in "late". A short "a" sound.
  • -i-: A very short, quick "ih" sound, like in "it."
  • -tiv-: Pronounced like "tiv" as in "active."
  • -ly: This adds the adverbial suffix. Pronounced like "lee."

3. Putting it Together (Slowly):

  1. Say "re" (short "e" sound)
  2. Say "lat" (short "a" sound)
  3. Say "ih" (very quick "ih" sound)
  4. Say "tiv" (as in "active")
  5. Say "lee"

4. Combined (at a normal speed):

riˈle.tɪv.li (with the emphasis on the second syllable - "le-")

Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Stress: The stress is on the second syllable: "le-tively". This is crucial!
  • Quick Syllables: The 'i' in ‘lat’ and the ‘ih’ in ‘tively’ are very short and quick. Don't linger on them.
  • Listen to Native Speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it! Search online for "how to pronounce relatively" on YouTube or use a dictionary website with audio (like Merriam-Webster or Cambridge Dictionary). Listen and repeat after them.

Resources to Listen:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word relatively in English

Let's break down how to use the word "relatively" in English. It's a useful word to add nuance and precision to your speech and writing.

1. Core Meaning:

"Relatively" means "in comparison with something else" or "compared with what is usual or common." It indicates a degree of difference or a moderate amount. It’s often used to soften a statement or show that something isn't extreme.

2. Common Uses & Examples:

  • Comparing to a Standard: This is the most frequent use.

    • "It was relatively warm today, considering it's November." (Compared to the typical coldness of November, it was warmer.)
    • "The damage was relatively minor after the storm." (Compared to the potential for much worse damage, the damage was less severe.)
    • "He’s relatively healthy for his age." (Compared to other people his age, he’s in good health.)

  • Expressing a Moderate Amount:

    • “I’ve relatively few problems with my new job.” (I don’t have many problems – it's not a constant struggle, but there are some.)
    • "The increase in prices was relatively small." (The increase wasn't huge – it was a manageable amount.)

  • Adding Qualification/Nuance: "Relatively" can soften a potentially strong statement.

    • "He’s relatively good at playing the piano, but he’s not an expert." (He's decent, but not exceptionally skilled.)
    • “The project is relatively on schedule.” (It’s mostly on schedule, perhaps with a few minor delays.)

3. Placement in a Sentence:

  • Before an Adjective or Adverb: This is the most common placement.

    • "She speaks relatively quickly."
    • "The house is relatively small."

  • After an Adjective (Less Common, but Possible): This can sometimes sound a bit more formal or emphatic.

    • "It's relatively expensive." (The emphasis is still on the expense, but the word adds a sense of moderation). This usage is becoming slightly more common, but "before" the adjective is still preferred.

4. Don’t Confuse with “Really” or “Very”:

"Relatively" offers a more precise and less extreme way of describing something compared to using “really” or “very”.

  • Incorrect: "He's really good at playing the piano.” (This implies he’s exceptionally good.)
  • Correct: "He’s relatively good at playing the piano.” (This suggests he’s decent, but not amazing.)

5. Key Considerations:

  • Implied Comparison: "Relatively" always requires an implied comparison. You need to understand what you're comparing it to. The context makes this clear.

  • Not Absolute: “Relatively” indicates a degree, not an absolute. It's not saying something is good or bad in an absolute sense, just that it’s better or worse than something else.

Example Combining Multiple Points:

"Considering the recent economic downturn, the company’s sales figures are relatively stable." (The sales are stable compared to what they might have been during a major recession.)

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Is there a specific situation you’re trying to use “relatively” in?
  • Are you struggling with a particular sentence where you’re using it?

Synonyms for the word relatively

Idioms of the word relatively

relatively speaking
used when you are comparing something with all similar things
  • Relatively speaking, these jobs provide good salaries.
  • The colleges had become, relatively speaking, short of funds.

Practice with vocabulary relatively

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The project budget for this quarter is ______ small compared to our usual allocations, allowing for more flexibility.
  2. After several delays, the team finally submitted their report, ______ impacting the overall project timeline.
  3. While the new marketing strategy showed some promise, its initial impact on sales was ______ modest.
  4. Employees are expected to adhere to the company's code of conduct ______ in all their professional interactions.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Compared to last year, our operational costs have been managed ______ efficiently, despite rising material prices. a) quite b) absolutely c) relatively d) extremely
  2. The company decided to expand after having ______ assessed potential risks and rewards. a) thoroughly b) completely c) reasonably d) comparatively
  3. Given the complex nature of the data, the analysis was ______ challenging to complete within the tight deadline. a) significantly b) rather c) extremely d) relatively
  4. The new policy aims to ensure that all departments operate more ______, reducing redundancies across the organization. a) effectively b) harmoniously c) synergistically d) proportionally
  5. While the initial investment for the new equipment was perceived as ______, the long-term benefits in terms of productivity justify the cost. a) somewhat expensive b) absolutely prohibitive c) relatively costly d) exceedingly high

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The journey to the remote research facility was quite long and challenging. Rewrite using "relatively" or a related word form:
  2. Original: Our team’s performance in the last quarter improved a lot compared to the previous one. Rewrite using "relatively" or a related word form:
  3. Original: Given the project's tight timeline, completing all tasks on schedule was quite a feat. Rewrite without using "relatively" (use a suitable replacement word):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. relatively
  2. significantly
  3. relatively
  4. strictly

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) relatively
  2. a) thoroughly
  3. b) rather, d) relatively
  4. a) effectively
  5. a) somewhat expensive, c) relatively costly

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The journey to the remote research facility was relatively long and challenging.
  2. Our team performed relatively well in the last quarter compared to the previous one.
  3. Given the project's tight timeline, completing all tasks on schedule was a remarkable achievement.

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