It is relatively
Hedging expression to soften claims
Use this phrase to sound more objective and avoid making overly bold or aggressive claims in conversation.
15초 만에
- A way to soften claims by comparing them to others.
- Used to sound more objective, professional, and less aggressive.
- Placed before adjectives to mean 'to a certain degree'.
뜻
You use this when you want to avoid making a 100% certain claim. It means 'compared to other things' or 'to a certain degree,' helping you sound more objective and less aggressive.
주요 예문
3 / 7Discussing a new project
It is relatively straightforward, but we need to watch the deadline.
It is relatively straightforward, but we need to watch the deadline.
Reviewing a restaurant
The food was relatively cheap considering the high quality.
The food was relatively cheap considering the high quality.
Giving a weather update
It is relatively warm for February, don't you think?
It is relatively warm for February, don't you think?
문화적 배경
This phrase is a prime example of 'hedging' in English discourse, a strategy used to sound more polite and less confrontational. It became especially popular in academic and professional circles during the 20th century to emphasize objective analysis over personal bias. In British English, it often serves as a way to avoid the social 'sin' of appearing too boastful or certain.
The 'Safety' Word
Use this when you aren't 100% sure about a fact. It protects your reputation if you're slightly wrong!
Don't Kill the Vibe
Avoid using this for compliments. Saying someone is 'relatively smart' sounds like you're calling them average.
15초 만에
- A way to soften claims by comparing them to others.
- Used to sound more objective, professional, and less aggressive.
- Placed before adjectives to mean 'to a certain degree'.
What It Means
It is relatively is your secret weapon for accuracy. It tells people that your statement depends on a comparison. If you say a car is fast, that is an opinion. If you say it is relatively fast, you mean it is fast compared to most other cars. It acts like a safety net for your words. It stops you from sounding too bossy or arrogant. Use it to show you have considered different perspectives.
How To Use It
Place it right before an adjective or an adverb. You can say it is relatively easy or it is relatively well-known. It works perfectly when you are describing a situation that isn't perfect but isn't bad either. Think of it as a sliding scale. It moves your statement away from the extremes. It is like adding a 'mostly' or 'somewhat' but with a much classier vibe. It makes you sound like a thoughtful expert.
When To Use It
Use it in meetings when you don't want to overpromise. It is great for giving feedback without hurting feelings. If a friend's new apartment is tiny, you might say it is relatively cozy. Use it when discussing prices, weather, or project timelines. It is the perfect 'middle ground' expression. It helps you navigate tricky social waters where being too direct might cause drama. It is your best friend during a performance review.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid it when you need to be 100% clear. Do not use it if a building is literally on fire. 'It is relatively hot' won't help anyone there! Don't use it for absolute truths like 'the sun is relatively bright.' That just sounds silly. If you are deeply in love, don't tell your partner they are relatively beautiful. That is a one-way ticket to the doghouse. Keep it away from high-stakes emotional moments.
Cultural Background
English speakers, especially in the UK and North America, love 'hedging.' This is the cultural habit of avoiding direct conflict or bold claims. We often feel that being too certain is a bit rude or uneducated. Using it is relatively shows that you are a nuanced thinker. It reflects a culture that values data and comparison over raw emotion. It is a very 'polite society' way of speaking. It shows you respect that others might see things differently.
Common Variations
It is comparatively(a bit more formal)It is somewhat(a bit more casual)It is fairly(very common in daily speech)It is relatively speaking(used to end a sentence or start a thought)It is quite(can be confusing because it means 'very' or 'a bit' depending on the tone)
사용 참고사항
This phrase sits comfortably in the neutral-to-formal range. It is a staple of academic writing and corporate communication, but it is also used by educated speakers in casual conversation to avoid sounding overly opinionated.
The 'Safety' Word
Use this when you aren't 100% sure about a fact. It protects your reputation if you're slightly wrong!
Don't Kill the Vibe
Avoid using this for compliments. Saying someone is 'relatively smart' sounds like you're calling them average.
The British Understatement
In the UK, this is often used to mean 'actually very good' but in a modest way. It's a classic piece of British social code.
예시
7It is relatively straightforward, but we need to watch the deadline.
It is relatively straightforward, but we need to watch the deadline.
Softens the claim so the speaker isn't blamed if things get hard later.
The food was relatively cheap considering the high quality.
The food was relatively cheap considering the high quality.
Compares the price specifically to the quality of the food.
It is relatively warm for February, don't you think?
It is relatively warm for February, don't you think?
Uses comparison to the season to make a point about the temperature.
The test was relatively easy, though the last question was a nightmare.
The test was relatively easy, though the last question was a nightmare.
Balances the overall experience with a specific exception.
Your report was relatively thorough, but it lacked some data.
Your report was relatively thorough, but it lacked some data.
A polite way to say the work was okay but could be better.
My cat is relatively well-behaved, if you ignore the shredded curtains.
My cat is relatively well-behaved, if you ignore the shredded curtains.
Uses the phrase to create a funny contrast with reality.
It was a relatively short relationship, so you'll bounce back soon.
It was a relatively short relationship, so you'll bounce back soon.
Uses the phrase to minimize the pain by comparing timeframes.
셀프 테스트
Choose the best adjective to complete the professional hedge.
The new software is ___ easy to install compared to the old version.
The word 'compared' in the sentence is a huge clue that we are looking for a relative measurement.
Which phrase makes this statement sound more objective and less like a personal opinion?
___ simple to fix this bug.
Using 'relatively' protects the speaker in case the bug turns out to be harder to fix than expected.
🎉 점수: /2
시각 학습 자료
Formality of Hedging
Used with friends
It's kind of...
Good for most situations
It is relatively...
Academic or legal
It is comparatively...
Where to use 'It is relatively'
Office Meeting
It is relatively low risk.
Apartment Hunting
It is relatively quiet here.
Travel Planning
The flight is relatively short.
Cooking
The recipe is relatively simple.
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문It means 'in comparison to something else.' For example, it is relatively cold means it is cold compared to yesterday or the usual temperature.
No, it's actually the opposite. Very makes a claim stronger, while relatively makes it softer and more cautious.
Yes, it's perfect for professional emails. It makes you sound measured and careful, like in The project is relatively on track.
It’s a bit polished for a quick text, but fine if you're discussing something specific like The movie was relatively long.
Fairly is slightly more casual and subjective. Relatively sounds more like you've actually compared data or facts.
Absolutely. You can say it is relatively difficult or it is relatively expensive.
Usually, yes. It modifies the word that follows it, like relatively fast or relatively small.
You can use pretty or kind of. For example, It's pretty easy instead of It is relatively easy.
Don't use it with 'absolute' adjectives. You can't say it is relatively unique because unique means there is only one.
It’s a cultural preference for 'hedging.' We like to leave room for error so we don't sound too aggressive or wrong.
관련 표현
Comparatively speaking
Used to indicate you are making a comparison between two things.
To some extent
Used to say that something is partly true but not completely.
Fairly certain
A way to say you are mostly sure but leaving a small margin for error.
All things considered
Taking all the facts into account before making a judgment.
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