relative

The word “relative” means considered in comparison with something else, rather than in absolute terms. In plain terms, depending on comparison rather than being fixed or absolute — or, as a noun, a family member.

“Relative” is pronounced REHL-uh-tihv (/ˈɹɛl.ə.tɪv/ in IPA).

Here is “relative” used in a sentence: “The country's relative wealth has grown compared to its neighbours.”

Words with a similar meaning to “relative” include comparative, conditional, limited, relation and sib.

The opposite of “relative” — its antonyms — are absolute and unlimited.

Depending on how it is used, “relative” can be an adjective and a noun.

The word “relative” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin relativus, from Latin relatus, "carried back" — the past participle of referre, "to relate.".

“Relative” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

Relative describes something judged by comparison with something else, so it can change depending on the reference point. Absolute describes something fixed and independent of comparison. A temperature of twenty degrees is an absolute measure; calling it "warm" is relative, because warmth depends on what you compare it with.

"Relative to" means "compared with" or "in relation to." Saying prices are high relative to last year measures them against that specific benchmark, not in isolation. It signals that the judgement only holds against the stated point of comparison, and might look quite different beside another one.

Wealth is relative: an income that feels large in one country may feel modest in another. Speed is too, since a car is fast relative to a bicycle but slow relative to a plane. In each case the label depends entirely on the chosen point of comparison.

Yes. As a noun, a relative is a person connected to you by blood or marriage, such as a cousin or aunt. That is a separate sense from the adjective meaning "compared with something else." Context makes clear which is meant, since the two uses rarely overlap.