relatively thin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relatively thin" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is thin in comparison to other similar items or standards. Example: "The book was relatively thin compared to the others on the shelf, making it easier to carry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Trading is still relatively thin.

The New York Times

May's speech was relatively thin.

The Guardian

Start with a relatively thin rib-eye.

The New York Times

In some categories, competition is relatively thin.

The New York Times

"That is what keeps margins relatively thin".

The New York Times

Analysts speculated that the pipeline might now be relatively thin.

The New York Times

In this relatively thin book he goes a step further.

The New York Times - Books

The organic-rich Holocene sediments are hence relatively thin.

Applied Geochemistry

They are relatively thin and wispy and run diagonally across the image.

The Guardian

His piano sound tends to the percussive, achieving a relatively thin but tactile plangency.

The New Yorker

Trump will also have to stock up a policy team that has long been relatively thin.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "relatively thin", ensure the context provides a clear point of comparison. For instance, "The crust was relatively thin compared to other pizzas on the menu."

Common error

Avoid using "relatively thin" without a specific reference point. Saying "The material is relatively thin" is less effective than "The material is relatively thin for industrial use."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively thin" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun by indicating that its thickness is less than what is considered average or typical within a given context. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples where it qualifies physical objects and abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

31%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "relatively thin" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase employed to denote that something is thinner than average, compared to something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears across diverse contexts, ranging from news and scientific publications to encyclopedias and wikis. While generally neutral in register, the phrase's effectiveness is enhanced when a specific comparison point is provided to avoid ambiguity. While "relatively thin" is used in a broad spectrum of writings, it's best to make sure your context is clear for the reader to understand what is relatively thin in comparison to.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comparatively slender

Emphasizes slenderness as opposed to simple thinness; might imply elegance or grace.

somewhat lean

Suggests a lack of excess, potentially in a physical or metaphorical sense.

fairly narrow

Focuses on the dimension of width, implying a small measurement.

moderately slim

Highlights a positive connotation of thinness, often related to aesthetics.

reasonably fine

Implies a delicate thinness or a refined texture.

noticeably sparse

Emphasizes the lack of density or abundance rather than physical thickness.

slightly flimsy

Suggests a lack of robustness or strength due to thinness.

rather delicate

Highlights the fragility and sensitivity associated with thinness.

a bit shallow

Refers to a lack of depth, implying limited substance or extent.

kind of light

Focuses on the lack of weight, potentially linked to thinness.

FAQs

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

Use "relatively thin" to describe something that is thinner than average or thinner compared to something else. For instance, "The ice on the lake is relatively thin, so we shouldn't walk on it."

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

You can use alternatives such as "comparatively thin", "somewhat lean", or "fairly narrow" depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to specify what something is "relatively thin" compared to?

While not always grammatically required, providing a comparison point clarifies your meaning. Saying something is "relatively thin" is more informative if you indicate what it's thin compared to. For example, "The report was relatively thin compared to previous years' reports."

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

"Relatively thin" means thin in comparison to something else, implying a moderate degree of thinness. "Absolutely thin" suggests extreme thinness without necessarily requiring a comparison.