relatively smaller

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relatively smaller" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the size of one object or concept to another, indicating that it is smaller in comparison but not necessarily small in absolute terms. Example: "The new model is relatively smaller than its predecessor, making it easier to handle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

For some relatively smaller ones, it's more than 10 years.

The New York Times

"And in the last couple months, in the light of what's happened, he's gotten relatively smaller".

The New York Times

"Sooner is better than later and relatively bigger is better than relatively smaller".

The New York Times

Some wealthy New Yorkers are even cutting back on relatively smaller things.

The New York Times

Even the relatively smaller size of today's fighting force doesn't explain the discrepancy.

The New York Times

My guess is that it will be a relatively smaller part of the business".

Independent

But the relatively smaller aspects of the N.B.A.'s current offer should not go unnoticed.

The New York Times

"For relatively smaller sums, one can build a significant collection of modern and contemporary Iranian art.

The Guardian

This makes Spotify unlike many Internet companies, in which the fixed costs of doing business become relatively smaller with scale.

The New Yorker

This would result in a relatively smaller index of refraction.

Nanoscale Res Lett

Particles which are relatively smaller lose their electrical conductance [18].

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "relatively smaller", ensure there's a clear reference point for comparison. The audience needs to understand what the subject is smaller compared to for the statement to be meaningful.

Common error

A common mistake is to use "relatively smaller" without providing context for the comparison. Always specify what the subject is smaller in relation to, otherwise the phrase loses its meaning and becomes vague.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively smaller" functions as a comparative modifier. It describes something as being less in size compared to a reference point. This phrase indicates a degree of reduction rather than an absolute measurement, as shown by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "relatively smaller" is a versatile comparative modifier used to indicate that something is less in size when compared to a specific reference. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it appears frequently in both scientific and news contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that you provide clear context for the comparison to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "comparatively smaller" and "proportionately smaller" can be used, the core meaning remains consistent: a reduction in size relative to something else.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comparatively smaller

Emphasizes the comparison aspect more explicitly.

proportionately smaller

Highlights that the size is reduced in proportion to something else.

correspondingly smaller

Indicates a direct relationship where a decrease in one thing leads to a decrease in size.

noticeably smaller

Stresses that the size difference is easily observed.

significantly smaller

Emphasizes that the size difference is important or impactful.

marginally smaller

Suggests the difference in size is small and perhaps unimportant.

slightly smaller

Indicates a minimal difference in size.

modestly smaller

Highlights a small to moderate difference in size.

somewhat smaller

A general term indicating a reduced size.

measurably smaller

Highlights that the difference in size can be quantified.

FAQs

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

Use "relatively smaller" to indicate that something is less in size, amount, or degree when compared to something else. For example, "This model is "relatively smaller" than its predecessor, making it easier to handle".

What's a good alternative to "relatively smaller"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "comparatively smaller", "proportionately smaller", or "slightly smaller".

Is it redundant to say "relatively smaller in size"?

While not strictly incorrect, "relatively smaller in size" can be slightly redundant. "Relatively smaller" already implies a size comparison, so adding "in size" may be unnecessary unless you need to emphasize the aspect of size specifically.

When is it appropriate to use "relatively smaller" instead of "smaller"?

Use "relatively smaller" when you want to emphasize that the size difference is being considered in relation to something else. Simply using "smaller" might imply an absolute size, whereas ""relatively smaller"" implies a comparison.