relatively fair

USAGE SUMMARY

"relatively fair" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use "relatively fair" to describe something that is somewhat fair, but not completely fair. It can also be used to express that something is fair compared to something else. Example: "The distribution of resources among the team was relatively fair, but some members felt that they deserved more."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Does that just mean relatively fair trade?

The Guardian

AIG reiterated its relatively fair offer of $850,000.

Harvard Business Review

We will take off some points, but we will be relatively fair.

Cornell University

However, at $13.7 billion, the price is a relatively fair one, most analysts agree, and will not hurt Pepsi's earnings.

The New York Times

This time, with Mr. Milosevic gone and Macedonia a relatively fair, multiethnic democracy, NATO isn't buying the rationale.

The New York Times

For decades after its creation in 1935, the board was a relatively fair arbiter between labor and capital.

The New York Times

Sheikh Hasina will emphasise, with good justification, that polls held under the AL since 2009 have been relatively fair.

The Economist

As for a relatively fair comparison, a more effective pseudo-rigid-body (PRB) model than the simplified traditional PRB model is also established.

Mechanism and Machine Theory

Although Artest's trade demand made it difficult for the Pacers to get equal value, this could have been a relatively fair swap.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Williams — tall, relatively fair-skinned, a child of the Bahamas — claimed that he learned about racism on such tours.

The New Yorker

Although relatively fair-minded, it has the faint whiff of disdain.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overusing "relatively fair" in contexts where a stronger assertion of fairness is warranted. If something is truly fair, state it directly.

Common error

Avoid using "relatively fair" when describing situations that are blatantly biased or unfair. It can weaken your argument and undermine your credibility if the situation clearly contradicts the modifier.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively fair" functions as an adjectival modifier, qualifying nouns by indicating a degree of fairness that is not absolute or perfect. As shown in Ludwig, it suggests a mitigated assessment of fairness. The examples in Ludwig show its function in News, Science and Academia.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

31%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "relatively fair" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe situations that possess a degree of fairness, although not perfectly or absolutely. Ludwig's AI confirms its validity and wide applicability, spanning across diverse contexts from news and media to scientific and academic discussions. The analysis reveals that the phrase serves to qualify the level of fairness, conveying a nuanced assessment. Its usage suggests a communicative purpose of expressing judgment, while maintaining a neutral tone suitable for professional and general discourse. Understanding its implications allows for more precise communication and critical interpretation in different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fairly unbiased

Emphasizes the absence of prejudice or inclination toward one side over another to a reasonable extent.

reasonably equitable

Highlights the balance and proportionality in treatment or distribution, suggesting a good but not perfect level of fairness.

somewhat impartial

Indicates a limited or partial lack of bias, suggesting that complete objectivity may not be achievable.

moderately just

Focuses on the moral correctness and righteousness of a situation, implying that justice is present to a certain degree.

comparatively reasonable

Highlights the logical and sensible nature of a decision or action, especially when viewed in relation to other options.

generally decent

Suggests an acceptable standard of fairness, where actions are morally sound and appropriate.

mostly ethical

Focuses on adherence to moral principles and professional standards, with the implication that some minor deviations may exist.

largely appropriate

Implies that something is suitable and fitting for the context, suggesting that it meets the necessary standards of fairness.

kind of just

Casual way to express a lower degree of fairness.

approaching fairness

Indicates movement towards a state of fairness, but not yet fully achieved.

FAQs

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

You can use "relatively fair" to describe situations or outcomes that are somewhat fair, but not entirely. For example, "The election was "relatively fair", despite some minor irregularities".

What's the difference between "relatively fair" and "completely fair"?

"Relatively fair" suggests a degree of fairness that is not absolute, while "completely fair" implies that there are no biases or imperfections. The former acknowledges potential limitations, while the latter asserts full impartiality.

What are some alternatives to "relatively fair"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "fairly unbiased", "reasonably equitable", or "somewhat impartial" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "relatively fair" or "mostly fair"?

Both phrases are similar, but "relatively fair" often implies a comparison to something else, while "mostly fair" suggests that the majority of aspects are fair. Choose the phrase that best fits the specific nuance you want to convey.