relatively less powerful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relatively less powerful" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the power or effectiveness of two or more entities, indicating that one is not as powerful as the other(s) but still holds some degree of power. Example: "While the new model is relatively less powerful than its predecessor, it offers improved efficiency and features."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Power is zero sum: if some countries become more powerful, other countries become relatively less powerful.

The Guardian

Then, the flow of money into US politics from corporations and the rich was relatively less powerful than it has now become, in terms of campaign contributions and legislating lobbying funds dependent on those sources.

The Guardian - Opinion

That is, there could be a very powerful mind (which is conscious to a high degree) whose ideas are relatively less powerful (of which the mind is conscious to a very low degree).

SEP

First, although alsS was expressed directly under the cipP promoter, this promoter was relatively less powerful than the ferrodoxin promoter, so that there may not be adequate expression of the two genes, resulting in low productivity.

Biotechnology for Biofuels

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Especially in comparison to Germany, Italy offers this flexibility for reasons that reflect a broader move away from basing in two of the world's wealthiest and most powerful nations, Germany and Japan, toward basing in relatively poorer and less powerful ones.

Huffington Post

Given a large k value, WRkNN costs much time and more I/Os due to pruning rules become less powerful relatively.

Data Science and Engineering

Although claims database analyses enable broad and exhaustive estimates of cost of illness at a national level to be made relatively rapidly and easily, they are less powerful for comparing sub-groups of populations and for matching economic data to clinical outcomes at the individual patient level.

BMC Health Services Research

Befitting Jeep's relatively new Fiat corporate parentage, an array of less powerful (and less thirsty) engines, including diesels, are available outside North America.

BBC

The results of this study suggests that disinhibitory food stimuli may be less powerful than once thought or relatively short acting, as long-term counter-regulation or compensation did not occur for most people.

Appetite

Also, statistical significant differences emerge despite the relatively small sample size and the use of less powerful, but more robust non-parametric tests.

Advances in Health Sciences Education

In addition, as expected from previous studies [ 7, 8, 20] and from our overall relatively low level of differentiation, the model was less powerful to detect SNPs under balancing selection.

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "comparatively weaker" or "not as potent" to avoid repetition in your writing and add stylistic variety.

Common error

Avoid using "relatively less powerful" without establishing a clear reference point. Saying something is "relatively less powerful" is meaningless if the reader doesn't know what it's being compared to. Always provide context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively less powerful" functions as an adjectival modifier, describing a noun by indicating a lower degree of power in comparison to something else. As Ludwig highlights, this implies a comparative assessment of strength or influence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

67%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "relatively less powerful" is a grammatically sound and understandable expression used to indicate a lower degree of power or influence in comparison to something else. As Ludwig confirms, it's a valid phrase for written English. Its usage, while not extremely common, spans across news, scientific, and other contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is key: always ensure that the context makes the point of comparison obvious. Synonyms like "comparatively weaker" or "not as potent" can add variety to your writing. By providing a clear comparison point, you can effectively communicate the diminished capacity or influence you intend to describe.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comparatively weaker

Focuses on the aspect of strength being diminished.

not as potent

Emphasizes a reduction in effectiveness or force.

somewhat diminished in strength

Highlights the gradual reduction in power.

relatively ineffective

Shifts the focus to the lack of desired results.

less influential to a degree

Underscores the reduced impact or sway.

not quite as forceful

Highlights a weaker application of power.

marginally feebler

Suggests a slight decrease in power or vigor.

comparatively subdued

Focuses on the less intense or prominent nature.

to some extent weaker

Emphasizes a partial reduction in power.

less dominant in comparison

Highlights a reduced position of control or authority.

FAQs

What does "relatively less powerful" mean?

The phrase "relatively less powerful" means something has a lower degree of power or influence when compared to something else. The comparison is key to understanding the statement.

How to use "relatively less powerful" in a sentence?

You can use "relatively less powerful" in a sentence to compare two or more things: "While the new model is innovative, it is "relatively less powerful" than its predecessor."

What are some alternatives to "relatively less powerful"?

Alternatives to "relatively less powerful" include "comparatively weaker", "not as potent", or "less influential to a degree". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "relatively less powerful" grammatically correct?

Yes, "relatively less powerful" is grammatically correct. It combines an adverb ("relatively") modifying a comparative adjective phrase ("less powerful"). Ludwig AI also confirms that this expression is usable in written English.