relatively lower

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relatively lower" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the level or amount of something to another, indicating that it is lower in relation to that comparison. Example: "The new model has a relatively lower energy consumption compared to its predecessor."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Taxes are also relatively lower than in some of the surrounding towns.

The New York Times

Paris guides note that locals generally go at lunchtime, when prices are relatively lower.

The New York Times - Food

Ms. Gutman said she and Mr. Jelinek were also warmed by the relatively lower off-season prices at the Foundry.

The New York Times

Medicare expenditure projections have dropped significantly, which means relatively lower out-of-pocket health costs for current and future retirees.

The Guardian - Opinion

Xi Zhongxun endorsed "severe suppression and punishment," but in his area "killing was relatively lower," according to his official biography.

The New Yorker

More women doctors are taking on relatively lower paid and lower status salaried posts in general practice (65%).

The Guardian

Preti adds that some cultures, like India's, do teach tongue scraping, and they have relatively lower incidence of halitosis.

The New York Times - Magazine

Areas with relatively lower assessable property, such as Levittown, end up with a much higher tax rate of $243.

The New York Times

"That helped their average newsstand sales and they're still relatively lower priced items," said Mr. Harrington.

The New York Times

Oakland, with its relatively lower commercial rents, was also attracting start-up businesses.

The New York Times

Panel studies are likely to find relatively lower spillover effects.

Economic Systems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more precise language if the difference is significant. While "relatively lower" is acceptable, a stronger term like "significantly lower" might be more appropriate in certain contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "relatively lower" without a clear reference point. Ensure the reader understands what the comparison is being made against, or else the statement loses its meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively lower" functions as an adverbial modifier describing the degree to which something is low. It modifies adjectives or nouns to indicate a comparative state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "relatively lower" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to make comparisons, indicating that something is less than something else in a defined context. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its usage spans diverse domains, from scientific literature to news articles, confirming its versatility. To improve your writing, ensure you provide a clear point of comparison when using the phrase, as a vague comparison is a common pitfall. Alternatives such as "comparatively reduced" or "slightly less" can be employed for nuanced expression. Considering the abundant examples provided by Ludwig, mastering "relatively lower" will undoubtedly enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly less

Conveys a minor difference or reduction, useful when the variation is not substantial.

comparatively reduced

Emphasizes a comparison resulting in a reduction, altering the focus from absolute level to comparative difference.

appreciably less

Signifies a decrease that is considerably noticeable or measurable.

somewhat diminished

Indicates a slight decrease, focusing on the reduction in quantity or degree.

moderately decreased

Highlights a decrease to a medium extent, making it suitable in contexts needing precision.

noticeably smaller

Implies the reduction is significant enough to be easily observed.

proportionately decreased

Implies a decrease that maintains a consistent ratio, useful in mathematical or statistical context.

fractionally reduced

Indicates a reduction by a small fraction, suggesting a subtle change.

marginally inferior

Suggests a slight inferiority, shifting the context to one of qualitative comparison rather than quantity.

distinctly underneath

Denotes a clear difference where one value is below another.

FAQs

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

You can use "relatively lower" to compare two or more things, indicating one is lower than the other in a specified aspect. For example, "The cost of living in this town is "relatively lower" than in the city".

What's the difference between "relatively lower" and "significantly lower"?

"Relatively lower" indicates a smaller difference, while "significantly lower" implies a larger, more important difference. The choice depends on the magnitude of the difference you want to emphasize.

What can I say instead of "relatively lower"?

You can use alternatives like "comparatively reduced", "slightly less", or "moderately decreased" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to specify what is being compared when using "relatively lower"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the comparison enhances clarity and prevents misinterpretation. Providing context ensures the reader understands the reference point for the comparison.