relatively yes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relatively yes" is not standard in written English, but it can be understood in informal contexts.
You can use it to express a qualified agreement or affirmation, often when the answer is not a straightforward "yes." Example: "Is the project on track for completion? Relatively yes, but we still have some challenges to address."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Relatively, yes …" he begins.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

So, relatively speaking, yes.

Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes

It is relatively rare, yes, but not unique.

Huffington Post

One could argue that this is not representative of the true situation in a school screening setting, however, we think the tests are easy to perform, the interpretation relatively easy ("yes"/ no") and that the tests do not need special skills except for the inter-segmental mobility, where long term experience is beneficial.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Methylation of CpG islands may serve as a relatively simple "yes-no" signal for the presence of tumor, and potentially the pathogenesis of keloid tissue, when examined for under optimal assay conditions by sensitive PCR techniques [ 26– 29].

Disease Markers

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.

The Guardian - Music

Yes, yes, yes, yes.

The New York Times

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes and yes.

The New York Times - Arts

Alice: Yes, yes.

Health & Justice

Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes.

Vice

Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "relatively yes" when you want to express a qualified agreement, acknowledging that the affirmation is not absolute. For greater clarity, follow it with an explanation or clarification.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on phrases like "relatively yes" without providing specifics. Overuse can make your statements seem weak or noncommittal. Strive for more precise and direct language whenever possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively yes" functions as an adverbial modifier combined with an affirmative response. It qualifies the affirmation, indicating that the agreement is not absolute but rather dependent on certain conditions or perspectives. Ludwig shows several instances where this phrase adds nuance to a direct confirmation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "relatively yes" is a phrase used to express a qualified agreement. While grammatically acceptable, as noted by Ludwig, it's essential to use it judiciously and ensure clarity in your writing. Consider more precise alternatives like "yes, to some extent" or "partially yes" for formal contexts. Ludwig's analysis indicates its presence in news and science, suggesting versatility but recommending cautious application for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat yes

Indicates a partial agreement, similar to "relatively yes", but perhaps slightly less formal.

kind of yes

A more informal way of expressing a qualified agreement. Implies less certainty than a straight "yes".

partially yes

Directly indicates that only a part of something is affirmative.

yes, to some extent

Adds a degree of qualification to the affirmative, making it less absolute.

yes, in a way

Implies that the affirmative is true from a certain point of view or under certain conditions.

more or less yes

Indicates an approximate agreement, suggesting slight deviations or exceptions.

yes, but not entirely

Clearly states that the agreement is not complete, leaving room for disagreement on certain aspects.

yes, up to a point

Suggests that the agreement is valid only within certain limits or boundaries.

conditionally yes

Indicates that the agreement depends on certain conditions being met.

provisionally yes

Suggests a tentative agreement that may be subject to change or further evaluation.

FAQs

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

Use "relatively yes" to indicate a qualified agreement. For example, "Is the project complete? Relatively yes, but there are still a few minor adjustments to be made."

What's a more formal alternative to "relatively yes"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "yes, to some extent" or "partially yes", which offer a similar qualified affirmation.

Is "relatively yes" grammatically correct?

While not strictly ungrammatical, "relatively yes" is informal and less precise than other options. Ludwig AI shows it is used in news and science articles, but a more descriptive phrase may improve clarity.

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

"Relatively yes" implies a qualified or partial agreement, while "absolutely yes" signifies a complete and unconditional affirmation.