comparatively decent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "comparatively decent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the quality or standard of something to another, indicating that it is reasonably good in relation to something else. Example: "While the restaurant's food was not exceptional, it was comparatively decent compared to other places in the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Mr. Liu and many other workers interviewed described the working conditions as comparatively decent.

The New York Times

His predecessor did, eventually: at the boom's end, in one of his administration's comparatively decent last acts, Gordon Brown in effect legalised the return of council housing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Although the terms were comparatively decent, the recruiter sitting in a folding chair in front of the blue van had found only one suitably young laborer by 5 a.m.

The New York Times

Government jobs and the Fort Jackson military base help prop up state capital Columbia's economy, and in Augusta, the promise of jobs from nearby Fort Gordon military base and its state university contribute to a comparatively decent three-year job growth outlook:.03%.03%

Forbes

They seem to think that their comparatively decent compensation is down to some kind of magnanimity on the part of the bosses.

Vice

How dare they keep going on strike?" For some reason, these people have a hard time connecting the fact that workers on the Tube haven't yet been reduced to outright penury with the fact that their unions are actually willing to take action when necessary; they seem to think that their comparatively decent compensation is down to some kind of magnanimity on the part of the bosses.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Visitors from London and Sydney can barely believe how little they pay, comparatively, for a decent meal and a few drinks in Tokyo.

The Guardian

With unemployment running at around 11%, decent employees are comparatively easy to find.

WikiHow

But finding the comparatively small sum needed to provide decent education should be simple – particularly when vast sums are being allocated to help the refugees that make it to European countries.

Independent

They all mentioned the very decent GPU and the comparatively generous 2GB of video RAM, which is four times the amount available in the original Xbox 360 (but likely to be half of what we get in the next-gen PlayStation and Xbox).

The Guardian - Tech

Quite comparatively, I can find still find decent airport food--follow the pilots on this one--and find a nice spot to grab a drink before the flight for $30, except I've got more variety and options on the outside.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, ensure the comparison is clear. Instead of stating just "comparatively decent," specify what it is being compared to for more precise understanding. For instance, "The working conditions were comparatively decent compared to other factories in the region."

Common error

Avoid using "comparatively decent" without providing a clear point of reference. Saying something is "comparatively decent" without specifying what it's being compared to makes the statement too vague and less informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "comparatively decent" functions as an evaluative descriptor, modifying a noun by indicating its quality relative to a standard. As Ludwig AI points out, it suggests a reasoned judgment of the subject's condition.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Wiki

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "comparatively decent" is an effective way to express that something is reasonably good in relation to a specific standard or other options. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English, serving as an evaluative descriptor that conveys a nuanced assessment without resorting to strong praise or criticism. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media sources, with a neutral register suitable for both professional and general contexts. When using "comparatively decent", it's important to provide a clear point of reference to avoid vagueness and enhance clarity. Alternatives such as "relatively good" or "reasonably acceptable" can be used to add variety to your writing while maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relatively good

Indicates something is good in comparison to a specific standard or other options. It's a very similar and commonly used alternative.

decent enough by comparison

Explicitly highlights the comparison element, reinforcing that the item is only good when considered in relation to others. Emphasizes relative standing.

reasonably acceptable

Suggests that something meets a minimum level of satisfaction. Implies a slightly lower standard than "comparatively decent".

fairly satisfactory

Similar to "reasonably acceptable" but places a greater emphasis on meeting expectations.

moderately good

Highlights that the level of goodness is average or slightly above average. Adds a sense of measured assessment.

quite adequate

Indicates something is sufficient for a particular purpose, though perhaps not exceptional. Emphasizes functionality over quality.

passably good

Implies the item or situation barely meets requirements, but is still acceptable. Suggests minimal acceptable quality.

serviceable enough

Focuses on the functional aspect, suggesting it works well enough for its intended purpose. Suggests limited features or quality.

respectable enough

Indicates something maintains a good reputation, but may not be remarkable. Emphasizes social acceptance or standing.

not too bad

A more informal expression, indicating that something is better than expected or acceptable. Downplays expectations.

FAQs

How can I use "comparatively decent" in a sentence?

Use "comparatively decent" to express that something is reasonably good when assessed against a specific benchmark. For example, "The hotel was "comparatively decent" considering its price point".

What are some alternatives to "comparatively decent"?

Alternatives include "relatively good", "reasonably acceptable", or "fairly satisfactory", depending on the context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more formal to say "comparatively decent" or "relatively good"?

"Comparatively decent" and "relatively good" are similar in formality. The choice depends on the specific context, but neither phrase is overly formal or informal.

When should I use "comparatively decent" instead of just "decent"?

Use "comparatively decent" when you want to emphasize that something is good in relation to other options or standards. It adds a layer of comparison that the word "decent" alone does not provide.