relatively to

USAGE SUMMARY

"relatively to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are comparing two or more things in relation to each other. For example: "Relatively to other cities, Tokyo is very crowded."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

ML: Relatively to Topsy Turvy, yes.

The Guardian - Film

Relatively to open source project standards, not to Microsoft.

The Guardian - Tech

The isomer shift was determined relatively to α-Fe.

Nature

Further, they too will have to say that the same body is relatively to this fire and relatively to that air, to others again water and earth.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

There will be no absolute distinction between fire, water, and air, but one and the same body will be relatively to this fire, relatively to something else air.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Now, necessarily, everything which moves either up or down possesses lightness or heaviness or both-but not both relatively to the same thing: for things are heavy and light relatively to one another; air, for instance, is light relatively to water, and water light relatively to earth.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And what is its position relatively to the other physical elements.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"Relatively to other industries, the level of true competition has been frankly limited.

The Guardian

It is true that we speak of above and below, right and left, in these bodies relatively to ourselves.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He is also a member of the Guardian Council and considered relatively to be a moderate figure.

The Guardian

Exergetic efficiency increased relatively to maximum 3% within this temperature limit.

Journal of Building Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "relatively to", ensure that the comparison is clear and that both elements being compared are explicitly stated to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "relatively to" without a clear point of reference. Always specify what is being compared to what, to prevent confusion. For example, instead of saying "The cost is low relatively", specify "The cost is low relatively to other similar products."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively to" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase introducing a comparison. As Ludwig AI indicates, it establishes a relationship between two entities where the characteristic of one is being evaluated in terms of the other. The examples show its use in various contexts to provide a reference point for judgment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

51%

News & Media

22%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "relatively to" is a prepositional phrase used to introduce a comparison, providing context and a frame of reference. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Its usage spans various domains, particularly science, news, and academia, suggesting a neutral to formal register. The phrase is most effective when the elements being compared are clear and explicit. The related phrases such as "in relation to" or "compared to" can be used for similar meaning with slight differences in formality. Always ensure that the comparison is clear and stated explicitly to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in relation to

This alternative emphasizes the connection or association between two things, highlighting how they stand in comparison.

compared to

This option directly contrasts one thing with another to show their differences or similarities.

with respect to

This phrase indicates a specific aspect or viewpoint from which something is being considered.

in comparison with

It presents a more formal way to draw parallels or distinctions between items or subjects.

in proportion to

This suggests that two things vary or change at the same rate or in a consistent manner.

by comparison to

This is a more emphatic way to say "compared to", highlighting a distinct contrast.

considering

This option frames the following information as a factor taken into account during evaluation.

regarding

This signifies that the following information is specifically about the topic mentioned.

vis-à-vis

This formal term directly expresses a comparison or relationship between two items.

in terms of

This phrase specifies the criteria or category in which the comparison is made.

FAQs

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

Use "relatively to" to compare one thing with another. For example, "The budget is small "relatively to" previous years' spending."

What does "relatively to" mean?

"Relatively to" means "in relation to" or "compared with". It's used to indicate that a statement is true only when compared to something else.

What are some alternatives to "relatively to"?

Alternatives include "compared to", "in relation to", or "with respect to", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between using "relatively to" and "compared to"?

While both phrases serve a similar purpose, "relatively to" often implies a more nuanced comparison. "Compared to" is a more direct, straightforward way of highlighting differences or similarities.