relatively silent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relatively silent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition where something is not completely silent but is quieter than usual or compared to something else. Example: "During the meeting, the room was relatively silent, allowing everyone to focus on the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The phones were relatively silent.

The New York Times

But so far, it is a relatively silent spring.

The New York Times

On the state level, Mr. Lhota has been relatively silent.

The New York Times

Rabbits are generally nocturnal, and they also are relatively silent.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Electronic machines, however, are relatively silent – and so they are given voices.

The Guardian

For the first two weeks of bee life, the gene is relatively silent.

The New York Times - Science

Disciplined — the White House is almost like a private corporation — and relatively silent, too.

The New Yorker

Apart from a guest vocal on Disclosure's debut album, Woon remained relatively silent.

The Guardian - Music

It drew a groan from the fans, who fell relatively silent.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Obama has remained relatively silent on the issue since then.

The New York Times

The Algerian government has been relatively silent since the start of the crisis, releasing few details.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "relatively silent" to describe situations where complete silence isn't achieved or expected, but a noticeable reduction in noise or activity is present.

Common error

Avoid using "relatively silent" in contexts where silence is an absolute requirement or expectation. For example, describing a recording studio as "relatively silent" misses the mark, as these environments demand near-total silence for optimal recording quality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively silent" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, describing a state of reduced noise or activity. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms the phrase's correctness. For instance, describing phones as "relatively silent" illustrates a period of low activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

23%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "relatively silent" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase indicating a state of reduced noise or activity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for describing scenarios where there is a noticeable decrease in sound without total silence. Common in news, media, and scientific contexts, its neutral register makes it versatile across different forms of writing. When using this phrase, keep in mind that it suggests a comparison to a norm, and ensure that the context aligns with a reduction in, but not a complete absence of, noise. Alternatives like "fairly quiet" or "comparatively hushed" may offer subtle variations in meaning depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fairly quiet

Emphasizes a moderate level of quietness. The intensity of the absence of sound is subtly altered.

comparatively hushed

Implies a comparison to another situation where there's more noise. It introduces a sense of contrast.

largely muted

Suggests that the sound or expression is significantly reduced. Indicates a deliberate act of diminishing sound.

somewhat subdued

Focuses on a reduction in activity or expression, not necessarily only sound. Indicates a lower level of overall activity.

moderately noiseless

Highlights the absence of noise to a certain extent. It places emphasis on the characteristic of not having noise.

noticeably quieter

Emphasizes that the silence is perceptible or evident. Underlines that the reduction in noise is significant enough to be noted.

appreciably calmer

Suggests a reduction in both sound and agitation. Signifies a shift towards a more peaceful state.

ostensibly still

Highlights that the stillness is apparent but might not be entirely genuine. It suggests an external appearance of silence or inactivity.

ostensibly soundless

Implies an outward appearance of having no sound but questions if it's completely soundless. The absence of sound is apparent but might be misleading.

superficially placid

Indicates that the calm is only on the surface and may hide underlying activity. It emphasizes that the state of silence might be deceptive.

FAQs

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

You can use "relatively silent" to describe something quieter than usual, such as, "The library was "relatively silent" during the exam period".

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

"Relatively silent" implies a reduction in noise but not total absence. "Completely silent" means there is absolutely no sound. For example, a room may be "relatively silent" during a test, but it is rarely "completely silent".

What are some alternatives to saying "relatively silent"?

Alternatives include "fairly quiet", "comparatively hushed", or "largely muted", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "relatively silent"?

Yes, "relatively silent" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English to describe a state that is quieter than usual. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.