relatively less

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relatively less" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare two things in which one has a lesser degree or amount than the other. For example, "This version of the car has relatively less power than the other one."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In comparison, topography was relatively less influential.

CATENA

became relatively less common over time.

Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment

Writing takes up relatively less of the time than reading.

Princeton University

Blindfolded subjects were relatively less accurate than sighted subjects.

Applied Acoustics

That means a single ad is relatively less important.

The New York Times

At that time, relatively less of the potentially available N from organic matter had mineralized.

Cornell University

But compared to our peers we have relatively less flexibility in that fashion, as well.

Cornell University

On the other hand, relatively less exist that introduce one subject to the other kind audience.

Harvard University

Canes offer relatively less stability compared to other ADs, but they are unobtrusive.

Stanford University

These latter higher-quality firms, which do not need bonding, may pick Delaware relatively less often.

Columbia University

His analysis show, however, that these motives for alignment are relatively less important.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "relatively less", ensure you clearly define what you are comparing it to, to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, "This model is relatively less expensive than the previous one."

Common error

A common mistake is using "relatively less" without specifying what the comparison is being made against. This can lead to confusion and weaken the statement. Always provide a clear point of reference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively less" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating a comparative degree. It modifies adjectives or adverbs to show that something possesses a quality to a smaller extent in relation to something else. Ludwig's examples confirm its widespread use in various comparative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

33%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "relatively less" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to draw comparisons, indicating that something possesses a quality to a smaller extent when compared to something else. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent use across diverse fields, including science, news, and academia. To ensure clarity, it's crucial to specify the point of comparison. Although suitable for formal contexts, its usage is equally common in neutral discourse. Alternatives like "comparatively smaller" or "somewhat reduced" may be considered depending on the specific context and desired level of formality. While generally a safe phrase to use, always give context!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comparatively smaller

Emphasizes a comparison showing a noticeable size difference, stronger focus on size than general amount.

somewhat reduced

Highlights a degree of reduction, indicating a previous higher state.

marginally lower

Implies a slight difference, often used in numerical or statistical contexts.

noticeably diminished

Indicates a clear decrease or reduction, implying a distinct change.

appreciably slighter

Emphasizes a lighter or smaller quality, suggesting a tangible difference in weight or significance.

proportionately decreased

Focuses on a reduction that is in relation to a whole or standard.

measurably lessened

Implies that the decrease can be quantified or observed through measurement.

comparatively trivial

Downplays the significance of something through comparison.

slightly deficient

Highlights a lack or shortage that is minimal, but present.

moderately deficient

Highlights a lack or shortage that is present, but more important.

FAQs

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

Use "relatively less" to indicate that something has a smaller degree of a particular quality compared to something else. For example, "This task requires "relatively less effort" than the previous one".

What's a formal alternative to "relatively less"?

A more formal alternative could be "comparatively smaller" or "proportionately decreased", depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to specify what "relatively less" is being compared to?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the point of comparison significantly improves clarity and prevents misinterpretation. Without context, the statement can be ambiguous.

What is the difference between "slightly less" and "relatively less"?

"Slightly less" indicates a small difference in amount or degree, while "relatively less" suggests that the difference is notable when compared to something else. "Relatively less" implies a comparative context that "slightly less" does not.