Understanding ‘Relatively’: Mastering Comparisons in English
Learn the meaning, usage, and importance of the adverb ‘relatively’ in English. This video covers its definition, word type, history, synonyms, antonyms, and common usage errors. Perfect for IELTS preparation and improving your language skills.
Imagine you’re comparing your height to that of a professional basketball player. You might say, “I’m relatively short.”
This is where our word of the day comes in handy: relatively.
Word type: Relatively is an adverb. It’s used to describe actions, adjectives, or other adverbs in comparison to something else.
Meaning: Relatively means in relation to something else or in comparison with something. It’s used when we want to describe something not in absolute terms, but in a way that depends on the context or what we’re comparing it to.
Word history: The word relatively comes from the Latin word “relativus,” meaning “having reference or relation to.”
It entered the English language in the late 16th century.
Antonyms: Some antonyms for relatively include absolutely, completely, and entirely.
These words express ideas without comparison to anything else.
Synonyms: Synonyms for relatively include comparatively, fairly, pretty, and quite.
These words also express ideas in relation to something else.
Examples use in sentences: Let’s look at some examples of how to use relatively in sentences.
One: The new employee is relatively inexperienced, but she’s a quick learner. Two: Compared to last summer, this year has been relatively cool.
Three: The cost of living in this city is relatively high, but salaries are also higher. Four: Although it was a long flight, the journey was relatively comfortable.
Common errors in use: One common mistake is using relatively when an absolute term would be more appropriate.
For example, it would be incorrect to say, “The building was relatively destroyed by the earthquake.”
Either a building is destroyed or it isn’t; there’s no relative state of destruction. Another error is using relatively without providing context for the comparison.
Always make sure it’s clear what you’re comparing to, either explicitly or implicitly. To wrap up, remember that relatively is a useful word for making comparisons or describing things in relation to others.
It adds nuance to your language and helps you express ideas more precisely. As you prepare for your IELTS test, try to incorporate relatively into your speaking and writing practice.
The more you use it, the more natural it will become.
