relatively the same

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relatively the same" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare two or more things that are similar but not identical. For example: "Although the amount of rainfall varies from year to year, the overall climate remains relatively the same."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Physically, my working conditions have remained relatively the same.

The Guardian

The way we play is relatively the same and it has worked," added Neil.

The Guardian - Sport

"We could embrace the differences — they may do things differently but they do relatively the same thing".

The New York Times

Mr. Campbell said he would pay "relatively the same rent but have much more space" in the new location.

The New York Times

From 1993 to 2002, the city's smoking rate remained relatively the same: 21.5 percent to 21.7 percent.

The New York Times

The wages of workers who took apart buildings and sorted material rose, while tipping fees — the cost of simply landfilling unsorted material — stayed relatively the same.

The New York Times - Magazine

They're heroes in Albany for moving many more people with relatively the same level of subway and bus service, and the ones who suffer are their riders".

The New York Times

"Whereas when you raise standards in reading they have to deal with more sophisticated material, but the skills are relatively the same".

The New York Times

"The number of firms coming to campus was relatively the same, but the number of positions they're recruiting for has been reduced," she said.

The New York Times

Nowadays the teaching methods for learning math remain relatively the same.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Further analysis of Fig. 16 shows that the timings were relatively the same with Fig. 12.

Urban Rail Transit

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "relatively the same" to compare items when they are not exactly identical but share key characteristics or values. This conveys a nuanced understanding of similarity.

Common error

Avoid using "relatively the same" when items are truly identical. Use stronger terms like "identical" or "the same" to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively the same" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun by indicating a degree of similarity that is not absolute. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts to denote resemblance with slight variations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

31%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "relatively the same" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate a qualified similarity, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's suitable for various contexts, from news and media to scientific writing, denoting that items or situations share key characteristics without being completely identical. Ludwig examples highlight its versatile usage. When using this phrase, consider the context to ensure you're accurately conveying the degree of similarity intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fairly comparable

Focuses on the ability to draw comparisons, indicating shared characteristics or qualities.

somewhat similar

Indicates a moderate degree of likeness, suggesting less precision than "relatively the same".

reasonably consistent

Highlights the degree of consistency, implying that variations are within acceptable limits.

largely equivalent

Highlights the functional equivalence, implying that differences are minor or inconsequential.

substantially similar

Highlights significant overlap in characteristics, implying that key aspects are alike.

generally alike

Suggests overall resemblance, but allows for noticeable differences in specific aspects.

approximately equal

Emphasizes numerical or quantitative equivalence, suggesting values are close but not exact.

mostly uniform

Emphasizes consistency and lack of variation across a set of items or conditions.

broadly analogous

Focuses on structural or functional similarity, suggesting parallels between different entities or systems.

essentially identical

Indicates near-perfect correspondence, suggesting only negligible differences if any.

FAQs

How can I use "relatively the same" in a sentence?

Use "relatively the same" to describe situations or objects that are alike in key respects, though not completely identical. For example, "The two models performed at "relatively the same" level".

What's the difference between "relatively the same" and "exactly the same"?

"Relatively the same" implies a similarity with minor differences, whereas "exactly the same" means there are no differences whatsoever. Understanding this distinction is crucial for precise communication.

What are some alternatives to "relatively the same"?

You can use alternatives like "somewhat similar", "largely equivalent", or "fairly comparable" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "relatively the same"?

Yes, "relatively the same" is grammatically correct. It's a common and accepted phrase used to indicate a qualified similarity.