relative
REHL-uh-tihv
Relative (adjective) means Considered in comparison with something else, rather than in absolute terms. Example: “The country's relative wealth has grown compared to its neighbours.”
adjective
1
Considered in comparison with something else, rather than in absolute terms.
"The country's relative wealth has grown compared to its neighbours."
"She lives in relative comfort now, though nothing like the luxury she once had."
"Cycling is cheap in relative terms, since you need no fuel."
2
Directly relevant or connected to a particular subject.
"Please bring any documents relative to the case."
"The judge asked for all facts relative to the accident."
"Share any information relative to this problem with the group."
noun
1
A family member, connected by blood, marriage, or adoption.
"Only close relatives were invited to the small ceremony."
"My oldest relative lives on a farm in Wales."
"Do you have any relatives who live near the coast?"
How to use relative
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDepending on comparison rather than being fixed or absolute — or, as a noun, a family member.
Common mistake
Don't confuse the adjective ("relative silence") with the noun ("my relatives came to visit") — same word, different jobs.
Common pairings
relative to
relative ease
close relative
distant relative
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Word forms
- Plural
- relatives
Fill the gap
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The country's _____ wealth has grown compared to its neighbours.
Etymology
From Late Latin relativus, from Latin relatus, "carried back" — the past participle of referre, "to relate."
Synonyms
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proportional
comparable
dependent
congeneric
congenator
congener
relation
comparative
conditional
limited
sib
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for relative
See all rhymes for relative →Frequently asked questions
What does “relative” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “relative”?
“Relative” is pronounced REHL-uh-tihv (/ˈɹɛl.ə.tɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “relative” in a sentence?
Here is “relative” used in a sentence: “The country's relative wealth has grown compared to its neighbours.”
What is another word for “relative”?
Words with a similar meaning to “relative” include comparative, conditional, limited, relation and sib.
What is the opposite of “relative”?
The opposite of “relative” — its antonyms — are absolute and unlimited.
What part of speech is “relative”?
Depending on how it is used, “relative” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “relative” come from?
The word “relative” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin relativus, from Latin relatus, "carried back" — the past participle of referre, "to relate.".
Is “relative” a common word?
“Relative” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between relative and absolute?
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.
What does "relative to" mean?
"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.
What is an example of something relative?
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.
Does relative also mean a family member?
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.
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