relatively small

USAGE SUMMARY

"relatively small" is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use it to compare two sizes or amounts. For example: "While the population of the city is quite large, the resident's median income is relatively small."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All were relatively small players.

The New York Times

The courtroom is relatively small.

The New Yorker

But Eaton is relatively small.

The New Yorker

The program is relatively small.

The New York Times

This apartment was relatively small.

The New York Times

Even relatively small doses work.

The Economist

It's relatively small.

The New York Times

That's relatively small.

Harvard Business Review

Their numbers have become relatively small.

The Economist

Netflix pays a relatively small licensing fee.

The New York Times

The Togolese manufacturing sector is relatively small.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing sizes, use "relatively small" to indicate that something is smaller than another, but not necessarily small in an absolute sense. For example, "The office space was relatively small compared to their previous headquarters."

Common error

Avoid using "relatively small" without providing a clear comparison point. Saying "the portion size was relatively small" is less effective if you don't specify what it is small compared to. Always ensure context for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively small" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjectival phrase. It describes the size of something in comparison to something else. The phrase indicates that the subject is small, but not necessarily small in an absolute sense, only in relation to a comparison point. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

20%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "relatively small" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase that serves to describe something as smaller than another comparable entity. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and widespread. It's most commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts. When using the phrase, it's crucial to provide a clear comparison point to ensure the context is evident. Alternatives include "comparatively minor" or "somewhat smaller", but the best choice depends on the specific nuance intended. Avoiding vague usage ensures clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat smaller

Using the comparative form emphasizes a direct comparison, indicating it is less than something else.

comparatively minor

Changes the adjective to "minor", suggesting a lower degree of importance or impact alongside size.

moderately sized

Replaces "small" with "sized", indicating a less dramatic departure from the average.

not particularly large

Expresses the idea by negating the opposite, focusing on the absence of largeness rather than the presence of smallness.

somewhat diminutive

Uses "diminutive" for a more refined and less direct connotation of smallness.

slightly petite

Uses "petite" for a softer, more delicate connotation of smallness, particularly applicable to physical objects or people.

reasonably compact

Emphasizes the efficiency of the size rather than just the size itself.

comparable narrow

Swaps the adjective for narrow, which works if the context is about width.

fairly insignificant

Shifts the focus from size to importance, implying that the small size results in a lack of significance.

marginally reduced

Focuses on the act of reducing something, implying that the reduction was not substantial.

FAQs

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

Use "relatively small" to indicate that something is smaller in comparison to something else, without necessarily being small in an absolute sense. For instance, "The town's population is "relatively small" compared to the capital city".

What's the difference between "relatively small" and "very small"?

"Relatively small" implies a comparison. Something that is "relatively small" is small in relation to something else. "Very small", on the other hand, indicates something is small in an absolute sense, without needing a comparison.

What can I say instead of "relatively small"?

You can use alternatives such as "comparatively minor", "moderately sized", or "somewhat smaller" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "relatively small"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. According to Ludwig, it follows standard grammar rules and is widely used in various contexts.