relatively better than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relatively better than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing two or more things, indicating that one is better in comparison to another, but not by a large margin. Example: "This model is relatively better than the previous version in terms of efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Live sports may be doing relatively better than other programming options for television networks, but the relative position doesn't insulate sports from absolute declines.

Forbes

The NiCoCrAlY coating performed relatively better than NiCrAlY coating against hot corrosion in the given environment.

Surface and Coatings Technology

By allowing workers to focus on tasks at which they're relatively better than others, specialization helps drive economic growth.

The New York Times

In fact, in this sample the counting efficiency and optical photon collection efficiency were relatively better than the other samples.

Optik

However NSF performance is relatively better than other two filters for specific condition like large parameter uncertainty.

Applied Soft Computing

The overall inaccuracy, which was overestimation of about 10 cm, was relatively better than that achieved in previous studies.

Applied Ergonomics

The wear resistance of coating with 5 wt% Cu added is relatively better than that of other specimens.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Besides, the use of BOA based alternative is seen to perform relatively better than the GA approach in this case.

Electric Power Systems Research

The heat insulation performance at the leading and trailing edges is relatively better than the suction and pressure sides.

Surface and Coatings Technology

That's probably an important thing for anybody who is not a polymathic genius: to figure out what you can do relatively better than other people.

Harvard University

The state pension is excluded from the squeeze, even though the elderly have generally done relatively better than any other group over recent years.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "relatively better than" to make nuanced comparisons where one option has a clear advantage, but the difference is not drastic. This avoids overstating the degree of superiority.

Common error

Avoid using "relatively better than" when the difference is actually significant or substantial. In such cases, stronger comparative phrases like "significantly better than" or "considerably better than" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively better than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by expressing that it possesses a quality to a greater extent when compared to something else, but the degree of difference is moderate. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

59%

News & Media

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "relatively better than" is a versatile comparative phrase used to express that one thing is superior to another, albeit not dramatically so. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans across diverse contexts, including science, news, and academia. When writing, it's essential to use this phrase judiciously, avoiding it when the difference is substantial. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can enhance the precision of your comparisons and avoid overstatements. Remember to consider alternatives like "somewhat superior to" or "comparatively better than" to best suit your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preferable to

Indicates that one option is generally favored over another but refrains from assessing the degree of superiority.

comparatively better than

Highlights the comparison aspect, emphasizing the relative nature of the improvement.

outperforms

Expresses a definite and demonstrable superiority in terms of execution or functionality.

somewhat superior to

Indicates a slight degree of improvement or advantage, lessening the emphasis on the magnitude of the difference.

marginally better than

Emphasizes that the difference in quality or performance is small.

slightly more advantageous than

Focuses on the benefits or advantages conferred by one option over another, while also downplaying the importance of such advantages.

noticeably superior to

Suggests that the difference is easily observed or recognized.

distinctly better than

Indicates a clear and unambiguous improvement.

appreciably better than

Implies that the improvement is significant enough to be worth considering.

measurably better than

Highlights that the difference can be quantified or measured.

FAQs

How can I use "relatively better than" in a sentence?

You can use "relatively better than" to compare two options, indicating that one is superior to the other, but the difference isn't substantial. For example: "This new model is "relatively better than" the previous one in terms of battery life."

What are some alternatives to "relatively better than"?

Some alternatives include "somewhat superior to", "comparatively better than", or "slightly more advantageous than". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of difference you want to convey.

Is "relatively better than" always the best way to express a comparison?

No, it depends on the magnitude of the difference. If the improvement is substantial, consider using phrases like "significantly better than" or "much better than".

What's the difference between "relatively better than" and "slightly better than"?

"Relatively better than" suggests a noticeable, though not dramatic, improvement, while "slightly better than" implies a very minor difference.