relatively precise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relatively precise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that is accurate to a certain degree, but not completely exact. Example: "The measurements provided were relatively precise, allowing us to make informed decisions based on the data."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their missiles are relatively precise.

The New York Times

Changes in regulation offer a relatively precise way to address such problems.

The New York Times

The assay is quantitatively accurate, relatively precise, and lends itself to high-throughput determination using nanogram amounts of DNA.

Stanford University

Relatively precise dating of the reef complex has been achieved using benthic foraminifera and ostracods associations.

Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology

Sensorimotor representations were relatively precise, presumably due to the recovery of proprioceptive information and efferent copy.

Human Movement Science

Of all the existing models, multiple streamtubes model is reasonably simple and relatively precise.

Renewable Energy

They need to be relatively precise and are expensive to fabricate and to transport.

Mechanism and Machine Theory

Screw feeders are widely used in various industries to transfer granular materials at relatively precise rates.

Powder Technology

Given such conditions, it is a relatively precise model, useful for the tuning of the TES parameters.

Applied Thermal Engineering

This new approach promises to produce relatively precise and reliable results and is valuable in real-world applications.

Computers and Electronics in Agriculture

We applied two 3-hydroxyflavone probes anchored in lipid bilayers at a relatively precise depth through their attached ammonium groups.

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Biomembranes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "relatively precise", ensure the context provides a clear understanding of the acceptable margin of error or the specific criteria for precision in that situation.

Common error

Avoid using "relatively precise" when the context requires absolute precision; instead, opt for terms like "exact" or "accurate" without qualifiers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively precise" functions as an adverbial modifier of an adjective, specifically modifying "precise." It serves to qualify the degree of precision, indicating that something is accurate to a notable extent but not perfectly so. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common and accepted construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

22%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "relatively precise" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that means something is accurate to a notable degree, but not perfectly so. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. It is commonly found in scientific, academic, and news contexts, and typically has a neutral to formal tone. When using this phrase, ensure that the context provides clarity regarding the acceptable margin of error. While alternatives like "fairly accurate" or "reasonably accurate" exist, "relatively precise" offers a specific nuance that is valuable in many situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fairly accurate

Indicates a slightly less degree of precision compared to "relatively precise".

reasonably accurate

Suggests a level of accuracy that meets expectations or requirements, similar to "relatively precise".

moderately exact

Emphasizes the degree of exactness, implying it is neither fully exact nor inexact, similar to "relatively precise".

somewhat precise

Directly indicates a partial level of precision, closely related to "relatively precise".

approximatively accurate

Highlights the approximative nature of the accuracy, making it close to "relatively precise".

comparatively exact

Highlights the comparison in terms of exactness, a bit more formal than "relatively precise".

substantially accurate

Highlights the importance in terms of accuracy but doesn't ensure the precision, lower similarity.

acceptably accurate

Focuses on the acceptance of accuracy, meaning that it's a subjective precision.

functionally precise

Highlights the purpose and precision.

practically accurate

Refers to precision in a real-world application, lower similarity.

FAQs

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

You can use "relatively precise" to describe measurements, calculations, or predictions that are accurate to a certain extent but not perfectly exact. For example: "The model provides "relatively precise" estimates of the outcome."

What are some alternatives to "relatively precise"?

Alternatives to "relatively precise" include "fairly accurate", "reasonably accurate", or "moderately exact". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "relatively precise" in scientific writing?

Yes, "relatively precise" is appropriate in scientific writing when describing results or methods that provide a good level of accuracy without being perfectly exact. It acknowledges the inherent limitations in measurement and modeling.

What's the difference between "relatively precise" and "highly precise"?

"Relatively precise" indicates a good level of accuracy compared to a general standard, while "highly precise" suggests an exceptional degree of accuracy that surpasses typical expectations. "Highly precise" implies a greater level of exactness than "relatively precise".