relatively superior

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relatively superior" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing two or more things, indicating that one is better than the other to a certain degree. Example: "In terms of performance, the new model is relatively superior to its predecessor."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

The tested columns yielded relatively superior compression performance compared to OPC-based concrete columns reinforced with GFRP bars and ties.

Engineering Structures

Inaction inertia is the phenomenon in which people are less likely to accept an opportunity after having previously missed a relatively superior one.

Journal of Economic Psychology

Nevertheless, because of the relatively superior military quality of his army and the continuation of heavy German and Italian assistance, Franco won a complete and unconditional victory on April 1 , 1939

Britannica

A very-high-degree model "EGM2008" (degree/order 2160) exhibits relatively superior statistical fit with observed ground data in Pakistan region.

Advances in Space Research

The promise that the country's relatively superior democracy would promote a greater respect for the rule of law and a decline in corruption has been one of the main factors keeping investors interested.

The Economist

Based on its relatively superior predictive ability, the HEDL Hanford Engineering Development Laboratoryy) relation is recommended: d/μm = ({0.507 ⋅ [B/ at.% fission)] ⋅ (T/K-705) ⋅ [(O/M i-1.935]} + 20.5) fO/M i-1.935]1.98.

Journal of Nuclear Materials

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

The reason for this would appear to be that in the lateral positions, the relatively open superior lung receives disproportionate ventilation, whereas the dependent lung (where compressive forces are greater and collapse predominates) is relatively deprived of ventilation and therefore of the peak transpulmonary pressures needed to reopen collapsed tissue [3, 18 21].

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

The replication of a repetition suppression effect in this relatively anterior superior temporal region confirms that the effect is present not just during passive listening, as previous studies have shown, but also when subjects make recognition memory judgments.

Cerebral Cortex

Paper maps are fail-safe, relatively cheap, offer superior resolution and provide large scale overview.

ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing

With its relatively accomplished acting, superior cinematography and fleshed-out story line, "Fascination" is often recommended as the Rollin to see if you are seeing only one.

The New York Times

Also, a relatively new and superior solution algorithm called HDDE is employed to solve the formulated expansion co-planning problem.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To be more specific, quantify the degree of difference whenever possible. For instance, instead of saying "The new software is relatively superior", say "The new software is relatively superior, offering a 15% increase in processing speed."

Common error

Avoid using "relatively superior" when the difference is actually significant or obvious. In such cases, a stronger term like "significantly superior" or simply "superior" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively superior" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it possesses qualities that are better than another, but only to a limited extent. This is consistent with Ludwig AI analysis, as it indicates correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "relatively superior" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something is better than something else, but not overwhelmingly so. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in various contexts. Predominantly found in scientific and news-related articles, it’s used to convey a sense of moderate comparative advantage. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the superiority isn't overstated and that stronger terms are used when appropriate. Consider alternatives like "somewhat better" or "comparatively better" if a lighter touch is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comparatively better

Highlights the comparison aspect more explicitly.

somewhat better

Indicates a milder degree of superiority.

moderately superior

Expresses a superiority that is neither negligible nor outstanding.

slightly better

Similar to "somewhat better" but perhaps even less emphatic.

marginally superior

Emphasizes that the superiority is slight.

distinctly better

Emphasizes a clear and unambiguous difference in quality.

noticeably better

Suggests that the superiority is easily observed.

appreciably better

Highlights that the improvement is significant enough to be valued.

measurably superior

Implies that the superiority can be quantified.

a cut above

An idiomatic expression indicating a clear distinction in quality.

FAQs

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

Use "relatively superior" to express that something is better than another, but not overwhelmingly so. For example, "This model is "relatively superior" in terms of fuel efficiency."

What are some alternatives to "relatively superior"?

You can use alternatives like "somewhat better", "comparatively better", or "slightly better" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "relatively superior"?

Yes, "relatively superior" is a correct and usable phrase. It implies that something is better when compared to something else, but the difference is not drastic or absolute.

What's the difference between "relatively superior" and "absolutely superior"?

"Relatively superior" means something is better in comparison to something else. "Absolutely superior" implies it's the best without any comparison. "Relatively superior" is about comparative advantage, while absolute superiority indicates unmatched quality or performance.