relatively slight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relatively slight" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is minor or not significant in comparison to other things. Example: "The changes made to the project were relatively slight, but they improved the overall outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But the improvements would be relatively slight.

The New York Times

The profits of both companies, however, have been relatively slight.

The New York Times

Offstage, Rylance is a relatively slight man with delicate features.

The Guardian

Population growth was relatively slight in the early 21st century.

Britannica

The formal differences are relatively slight, but the tone and content are markedly more sombre.

The Guardian

The paper claimed that patients made significant if relatively slight improvement in these measures.

MIT Technology Review

But the communication among those areas was relatively slight in the Takotsubo survivors.

The New York Times - Health

EDTA could drastically decrease Cd2+ bioaccumulation by M4, whereas the effect of citrate was relatively slight.

Journal of Hazardous Materials

The surface damage of wheel/rail specimens with laser quenching is relatively slight.

Engineering Failure Analysis

There is a national syllabus and variation from school to school is relatively slight.

The Economist

Lovers of sonic spectacle could feel shortchanged by the relatively slight proportions.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "relatively slight" with quantifiable data when possible to add precision. For example, "a relatively slight increase of 2%" is more informative than just "a relatively slight increase".

Common error

Avoid using "relatively slight" when the impact is actually significant. The phrase suggests a minor effect, so using it inappropriately can mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively slight" functions as an adjectival modifier, qualifying a noun by indicating a low degree or extent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used to describe something that is less significant compared to something else.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

39%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "relatively slight" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase that serves to downplay the significance or extent of something. As Ludwig AI points out, it is suitable for various contexts, though especially prevalent in News & Media and Scientific domains. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by providing a reference point for comparison, and avoid using it when the impact is, in fact, substantial. Understanding its nuances allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comparatively minor

Focuses on the comparison, emphasizing that something is less significant when compared to something else.

moderately small

Highlights the size or extent of something as being reasonably small, without being extremely tiny.

somewhat insignificant

Emphasizes the lack of importance or consequence of something.

fairly minimal

Indicates that something is at the lowest possible level or degree.

marginally reduced

Specifically refers to a small decrease or reduction.

subtly altered

Suggests a change that is so small or delicate that it is difficult to detect.

scarcely perceptible

Highlights that something is barely noticeable or detectable.

negligibly different

Emphasizes that the difference is so small that it can be ignored.

hardly noticeable

Indicates that something is difficult to see or recognize.

fractionally lower

Specifically quantifies the decrease as a tiny fraction.

FAQs

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

You can use "relatively slight" to describe something that is minor or not substantial in comparison to something else. For example, "The changes were "relatively slight", but they improved the overall design."

What are some alternatives to "relatively slight"?

Some alternatives include "somewhat insignificant", "fairly minimal", or "comparatively minor". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a relatively slight increase"?

Yes, "a relatively slight increase" is grammatically correct. It indicates that the increase is small in comparison to what might be expected or to other potential increases.

What is the difference between "relatively slight" and "completely insignificant"?

"Relatively slight" suggests that something is minor but still present, while "completely insignificant" implies that something has virtually no impact or importance whatsoever. The first has a small effect, while the second has no effect at all.