relatively tasteless

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relatively tasteless" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that lacks flavor or is not very flavorful compared to other options. Example: "The dish was relatively tasteless, lacking the spices that usually enhance its flavor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's an odd contradiction that chicken stock is the flavour-packed base of so many foods, and yet we think chicken itself is relatively tasteless.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Aerosols of biological agents are invisible, silent, odorless, tasteless, relatively easily dispersed, and they are 600 to 2000 times cheaper than other weapons of mass destruction.

HuffPost

While the first film "was undoubtedly tasteless and disgusting, it was a relatively traditional and conventional horror film," the board said.

The New York Times

The independent television commission received 61 complaints - a relatively high number - describing the sequence variously as "sick", "tasteless" and "inappropriate".

The Guardian

It's all about context; in the case of the first Human Centipede film, the BBFC plainly admits that it found it "tasteless and disgusting", but was still a relatively traditional horror movie with a few moments of overt grossness.

The Guardian - Film

But one of the realities of running a website based on advertising is that tasteless pics of Woody from Toy Story (to use a relatively tasteful example from 4chan) don't exactly charm publicly-listed companies.

Vice

An ideal human salt taste enhancer or suppressor should be 1) tasteless, 2) odorless, 3) nonpungent, 4) stable at high temperatures, 5) effective at relatively low concentrations, 6) acutely effective in modulating the salt taste receptor, 7) completely reversible upon washout, and 8) additive with other TRPV1t modulators on the salt taste response.

Chemical Senses

Tasteless, perhaps.

The Economist

("Tacky. Tasteless").

The Guardian

Tasteless works.

The New York Times - Arts

I found it tasteless.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "relatively tasteless" when comparing the lack of flavor in one item to others. It suggests a subtle deficiency rather than a complete absence of taste.

Common error

Avoid using "relatively tasteless" when describing something truly awful. It's more appropriate for things that are simply underwhelming in flavor, not disgusting or inedible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively tasteless" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun by describing its lack of strong flavor. It's used to express that something is not particularly flavorful when compared to other things. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "relatively tasteless" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase in English used to describe something lacking strong flavor in comparison to other things. Ludwig AI confirms its legitimacy. It functions as an adjectival phrase, conveying a subjective flavor assessment. While most frequently found in news and media contexts, its register remains fairly neutral. For alternative expressions, consider "somewhat bland" or "slightly flavorless". Remember to use the phrase judiciously, reserving it for cases of mild lack of flavor rather than severe deficiencies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Somewhat bland

Indicates a mild lack of flavor, similar to "relatively tasteless" but with less emphasis on comparison.

Slightly flavorless

Emphasizes the absence of flavor, comparable to "relatively tasteless" but less comparative.

Not very flavorful

Directly states a lack of flavor, similar to "relatively tasteless" in conveying a subdued taste.

Mildly unappetizing

Focuses on the lack of appeal, which can be a consequence of being "relatively tasteless".

Subdued in flavor

Highlights the tameness or gentleness of the flavor, similar to a slight lack of taste.

Lacking zest

Indicates a missing vibrancy or piquancy, a quality that "relatively tasteless" items might lack.

Somewhat insipid

Describes something dull and without strong qualities, which can include taste.

Barely palatable

Emphasizes the just-acceptable quality of something, which may be due to being "relatively tasteless".

Tending toward blandness

Suggests a direction or inclination toward a lack of flavor.

Lacking intensity of flavor

Focuses on the absence of strong taste characteristics.

FAQs

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

You might say, "Compared to the spicy salsa, the sour cream was "relatively tasteless"" to indicate a mild flavor difference.

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

Depending on the context, alternatives include "somewhat bland", "slightly flavorless", or "not very flavorful".

Is it grammatically correct to use "relatively" before an adjective like "tasteless"?

Yes, using "relatively" as an adverb to modify an adjective like "tasteless" is grammatically correct. It indicates a degree or comparison.

When is it appropriate to describe something as "relatively tasteless"?

It's appropriate when you want to indicate that something lacks a strong or distinct flavor compared to something else, or in general, but is not completely devoid of taste.