relatively decent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'relatively decent' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use the phrase when you want to suggest something is better than it was but not perfect or ideal. For example, "The food at the restaurant was relatively decent, but not as good as we hoped."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

TAXIS They mostly look relatively decent from the outside.

The New York Times

It was a relatively decent pay cut, but it was a great experience".

The New York Times - Sports

If the world economy remains in relatively decent shape, banks will benefit.These secular forces are complemented by two others.

The Economist

The country has adopted International Labour Organisation standards; its laws and practices are relatively decent; trade unions are allowed.

The Economist

Nevertheless, he said the new finance minister was a "relatively decent man," with whom he could work.

The New York Times

With so many relatively decent loaves readily available in stores, bread-baking is more of a hobby.

The New York Times - Magazine

Banks still reckoning with disastrous investments on real estate have cut credit even to people with relatively decent histories.

The New York Times

By the early 21st century, only a handful of stepwells had remained in relatively decent condition, particularly those where tourists were likely to visit.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The camera on the back is only 8 megapixels, but is relatively decent for a budget smartphone, only really struggling in low light.

The Guardian - Tech

A significant portion of Kabul's slum-dwellers gave up relatively decent living conditions to move to the city, only to find themselves disillusioned and jobless.

The Guardian

Pulling back "would basically say that we've had a relatively decent economic outcome in terms of sustained improvement in growth and unemployment," Mr. Bernanke said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "relatively decent" when you want to convey that something is acceptable or satisfactory, but not exceptional. It's a useful way to express a moderate level of approval or quality without overstating it.

Common error

Avoid using "relatively decent" excessively, as it can make your writing sound unenthusiastic or bland. Vary your language with more descriptive adjectives to provide a richer and more engaging reading experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively decent" functions as an adjectival modifier, typically describing a noun. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates that something possesses a quality that is satisfactory or acceptable, but not outstanding. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in diverse contexts, from describing economic outcomes to the quality of goods and services.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "relatively decent" is a common and versatile phrase used to describe something that is acceptable or satisfactory without being exceptional. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts. Its neutral tone and balanced assessment make it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. When considering alternatives, such as "pretty decent" or "fairly decent", it's essential to consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to use "relatively decent" thoughtfully and avoid overusing it to maintain the freshness and impact of your writing. The phrase is mostly used in news and media, according to the contexts extracted by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pretty decent

Indicates a slightly more positive assessment than "relatively decent".

moderately decent

Highlights the moderate level of quality, similar to "relatively decent".

fairly decent

Similar to "relatively decent" but with a slightly more informal tone.

rather decent

Implies a slightly higher degree of decency than "relatively decent".

very decent

Expresses a higher degree of quality than "relatively decent".

generally decent

Suggests a broad overall assessment of decency compared to a specific instance.

comparatively decent

Directly compares the decency to another benchmark, unlike the standalone "relatively decent".

sufficiently decent

Emphasizes adequacy rather than quality compared to "relatively decent".

acceptably good

Focuses on meeting a minimum standard of goodness, while "relatively decent" can imply exceeding that minimum.

passably good

Indicates something barely meets the standard of good, unlike "relatively decent" which suggests it exceeds it slightly.

FAQs

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

You can use "relatively decent" to describe something that is acceptable or satisfactory without being exceptional. For example: "The hotel was "relatively decent" for the price we paid."

What are some alternatives to "relatively decent"?

Alternatives to "relatively decent" include "pretty decent", "fairly decent", or "moderately good" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "relatively decent" or "very decent"?

The choice between "relatively decent" and "very decent" depends on the degree of quality you want to express. "Relatively decent" suggests something is okay, while "very decent" indicates a higher level of quality.

What does "relatively decent" imply about expectations?

"Relatively decent" suggests that something meets a reasonable expectation without exceeding it. It implies a level of satisfaction that is neither disappointing nor particularly impressive.