relatively clear

USAGE SUMMARY

"relatively clear" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is not completely clear or unambiguous, but still legible or understandable to some extent. For example, you could say "The instructions in the manual were relatively clear, despite the fact that some of the steps were a bit vague."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The underlying picture, however, is relatively clear.

Independent

This chart paints a relatively clear answer.

The New York Times

The 12 demands are relatively clear.

The Washington Post

His ideas about evolution are relatively clear.

The New York Times - Books

When she launched, the coast was relatively clear.

The Guardian

And they appear to have arteries relatively clear of plaque.

The New York Times

The classifications are finely poised but relatively clear.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

While Mr. Yang's individual subjects are relatively clear, his larger meanings are hard to pin down.

The New York Times - Arts

Mark Williams (Mr. Broderick), the humble hero of "The Starry Messenger," is relatively clear-minded.

The New York Times

The management of N+ HNSCC is relatively clear-cut.

Cancer Imaging

The management of patients with HNSCC and palpable nodal disease is relatively clear-cut.

Cancer Imaging

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "relatively clear", consider specifying what aspects are clear and what aspects may still be uncertain to provide a more complete picture.

Common error

Avoid using "relatively clear" when describing something that is, in fact, entirely vague or confusing. This diminishes your credibility and misleads the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively clear" functions as an adjectival modifier, softening the assertion of clarity. It indicates that something is understandable or discernible to a certain degree, but not perfectly so. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

28%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "relatively clear" is a common and versatile adjectival modifier used to describe something that is understandable or discernible to a certain degree, but not perfectly so. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various writing styles. When using "relatively clear", it's important to specify what aspects are clear and what may still be uncertain to provide a more complete and accurate description. Avoid using it to describe situations that are vague or confusing, as this can undermine your credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite clear

Indicates a high degree of clarity, approaching complete understanding.

reasonably understandable

Implies a level of understanding that is adequate but not necessarily perfect; focuses on comprehension.

relatively straightforward

Indicates a lack of complexity or difficulty in understanding or execution.

moderately transparent

Emphasizes openness and visibility, suggesting that something is viewable to a certain extent.

fairly obvious

Suggests that something is easily perceived or understood, though not entirely explicit.

somewhat defined

Focuses on the degree to which something has distinct boundaries or characteristics.

largely discernible

Highlights the ability to distinguish or recognize something, though perhaps with some effort.

generally apparent

Suggests a widespread or common understanding, though not necessarily universal.

mostly lucid

Emphasizes clarity of expression or thought, with a focus on coherence and understandability.

somewhat self-explanatory

Implies ease of understanding without needing additional explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "relatively clear" in a sentence?

You can use "relatively clear" to describe something that is understandable but not perfectly defined. For example, "The instructions were "relatively clear", but some steps needed further clarification."

What are some alternatives to "relatively clear"?

Alternatives include "fairly obvious", "reasonably understandable", or "moderately transparent" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Which is correct, "relatively clear" or "absolutely clear"?

Both are correct, but they express different degrees of clarity. "Relatively clear" implies some ambiguity remains, while "absolutely clear" suggests complete and total clarity. Choose the phrase that best matches the situation you're describing.

What's the difference between "relatively clear" and "somewhat clear"?

"Relatively clear" and "somewhat clear" are similar, but "relatively clear" often implies a comparison to something less clear. "Somewhat clear" simply indicates a degree of clarity without necessarily making a comparison.