comparatively heavy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "comparatively heavy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the weight of one object or substance to another, indicating that it is heavier in relation to something else. Example: "This new model is comparatively heavy compared to the previous version, which was much lighter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The M8 is also comparatively heavy, weighing 160g compared to the 145g Samsung Galaxy S5, 130g Google Nexus 5 and the smaller 112g iPhone 5S, but the weight is well balanced along the phone and feels more reassuring than hefty.

The Guardian - Tech

Gordon Ramsay's cuisine, comparatively heavy and unashamedly French, is laden with Rouxish notes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Male pattern baldness varies in degree and is usually seen in persons with comparatively heavy body and facial hair.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Elements are assigned an atomic number according to the number of protons — comparatively heavy particles with a positive electric charge — in their nuclei.

The New York Times - Science

It weighs 137g - comparatively heavy for a premium smartphone given that most weigh less than 130g, even with larger 5in screens - but isn't heavy enough to be noticeable in use.

The Guardian - Tech

But because that system's device is comparatively heavy and noisy, the general assumption now is that cyclists turn to Stefano Varjas, a Hungarian who demonstrated his products to Stade 2. In an interview on Monday, Varjas said that his crank-assist devices could produce more than 250 watts, the amount of power a professional rider might typically average during a four-hour race.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Cretonne, any printed fabric, usually cotton, of the weight used chiefly for furniture upholstery, hangings, window drapery, and other comparatively heavy-duty household purposes.

Britannica

In alcohol epidemiology, cohorts that are used to measure the underlying risk relationships are usually selected to maximize the follow-up rate, and, thus, these cohorts are typically composed of special populations with comparatively few heavy and virtually no very heavy drinkers [ 20, 31, 32].

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Excuses do not enter the Catalan mentality, but the field at Milan's San Siro was comparatively patchy, heavy and slow.

The New York Times - Sports

Access to the five Terai districts would present comparatively minor problems unless heavy rains came (which would have made a river impassable in the Mid-western region).

The Journal of Headache and Pain

The Blue-backed Tanager is a comparatively large-bodied and heavy-billed tanager, and is the sole representative of the genus Cyanicterus.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "comparatively heavy", ensure you provide a clear point of reference for the comparison. For instance, "This phone is comparatively heavy compared to other models in its class."

Common error

Avoid using "comparatively heavy" without specifying what is being compared. Saying "This object is comparatively heavy" lacks context and weakens the statement. Always clarify what it is heavier than.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "comparatively heavy" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate its weight in relation to something else. As confirmed by Ludwig, it correctly expresses that something has more weight when contrasted with a different object or standard.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "comparatively heavy" is a grammatically sound way to describe something that weighs more than something else, especially in relation to other items in its category. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct. It appears most frequently in news articles and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral register. When using "comparatively heavy", it's crucial to provide a clear reference point for the comparison to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "relatively heavy" or "somewhat heavy" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relatively heavy

This alternative is a direct synonym, replacing "comparatively" with "relatively" without altering the meaning.

moderately heavy

This phrase softens the comparison slightly by using "moderately" instead of "comparatively".

somewhat heavy

This alternative indicates a slightly lesser degree of heaviness compared to the original phrase.

noticeably heavier

This phrase emphasizes that the weight difference is easily perceived.

distinctly heavy

This alternative highlights a clear and recognizable difference in weight.

appreciably heavy

This suggests the weight is heavy to a degree that is measurable or important.

measurably heavy

This emphasizes that the heaviness can be quantified.

comparatively weighty

This alternative uses "weighty" instead of "heavy", providing a slight change in tone.

heavier by comparison

This inverts the structure of the original phrase while maintaining the comparison.

relatively weighty

A blend of previous alternatives, swapping out both terms.

FAQs

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

You can use "comparatively heavy" to describe something that is heavier than something else in a specific context. For example, "The new model is "relatively heavy" compared to its predecessor."

What's the difference between "comparatively heavy" and "relatively heavy"?

The phrases "comparatively heavy" and ""relatively heavy"" are largely interchangeable. Both indicate that something is heavy in relation to something else. The choice often comes down to stylistic preference.

Are there any synonyms for "comparatively heavy"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "moderately heavy", "somewhat heavy", or "distinctly heavy" to convey similar meanings.

When is it appropriate to use "comparatively heavy" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "comparatively heavy" when you want to emphasize that something is heavier than another item, especially when the difference is significant or relevant to the discussion. Ensure that the context provides a clear basis for comparison.