relatively tiny

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'relatively tiny' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare one thing to another and convey that one of them is small compared to the other, but not necessarily very small. For example, "The apartment's kitchen is relatively tiny compared to the living room".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Overseas sales are still relatively tiny.

The New York Times - Food

Even so, the amounts are relatively tiny.

The New York Times

(It reportedly cost £230,000, itself a relatively tiny sum).

The Guardian - Film

The screen was relatively tiny, 320 x 240 pixels.

The Guardian - Tech

Both systems replace batteries with relatively tiny fuel cells.

The New York Times - Tech

So far, the amounts raised online are relatively tiny.

The New York Times

But the actual number in use is still relatively tiny.

The New York Times

"But that's a relatively tiny portion of the city.

The New York Times

No definitive assertions seem possible, especially since the complete images themselves are so relatively tiny.

Stanford University

Nevertheless, the ratings for the X Games have been relatively tiny.

The New York Times

Of course, we're still talking – in Australia at least – about relatively tiny numbers.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "relatively tiny" when you want to emphasize that something is small in comparison to something else, but not necessarily extremely small in an absolute sense. For example, 'The village was relatively tiny compared to the sprawling metropolis nearby'.

Common error

Avoid using "relatively tiny" when a more specific adjective would provide better clarity. Instead of saying 'the relatively tiny amount of funding', consider 'the meager amount of funding' if the amount is insufficient.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively tiny" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjective phrase. It qualifies a noun by indicating its size in relation to something else, as shown in Ludwig's examples like 'relatively tiny expense' or 'relatively tiny number'. This comparison adds context to the description.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "relatively tiny" is a commonly used adjective phrase that serves to describe something as small when compared to something else. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and finds frequent use in diverse contexts such as News & Media and Academia. Its function is primarily to modify nouns, emphasizing a difference in size or importance. When aiming for clarity, consider whether a more precise term might be more effective, but overall, "relatively tiny" is a versatile and acceptable phrase for expressing comparative smallness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Comparatively small

Focuses on the comparison of size rather than emphasizing the extreme smallness.

Moderately small

Indicates a degree of smallness that is not extreme but still noticeable.

Slightly diminutive

Emphasizes the reduced size in a more formal or technical way.

Somewhat insignificant

Shifts the focus from size to importance or impact.

Fairly negligible

Highlights the minimal impact or effect of something.

Reasonably miniature

Implies that something is small but still retains all its features in a reduced form.

Relatively minimal

Emphasizes that something is as small as it can reasonably be.

Marginally petite

Suggests a delicate or refined smallness.

Kind of undersized

An informal way of saying something is smaller than expected.

On the smaller side

A casual way to indicate that something is smaller compared to others in its category.

FAQs

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

You can use "relatively tiny" to describe something that is small in comparison to something else. For example, "The office space was "relatively tiny" compared to their previous headquarters".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "relatively tiny"?

Some alternatives to "relatively tiny" include "comparatively small", "moderately small", or "somewhat insignificant" depending on the specific context.

Is "relatively tiny" a formal or informal phrase?

"Relatively tiny" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's generally considered neutral. More formal alternatives might include "slightly diminutive".

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

"Relatively tiny" implies a comparison, while "absolutely tiny" describes something that is small regardless of any comparison. For example, a cell is "absolutely tiny", while a garden might be "relatively tiny" compared to a park.