comparatively

Everyday

Comparatively means when compared with something else, or to some degree, as in «comparatively cheap». tree →

In the lessons

In maths and science, when comparing amounts; in history and geography, «comparatively small country»; it tells the reader that a judgement depends on what you compare it with; often before an adjective.

Examples

• The test was comparatively easy this week. tree →
• Mice live a comparatively short time. tree →
• The flat is comparatively cheap for London. tree →
• Ireland is comparatively small. tree →
• Comparatively few people came to the meeting. tree →
• Our school is comparatively new. tree →
• She was already sure that he must be Peter, but it did seem a comparatively short name. tree →

Note

Formal-ish. Means «relatively». It comes from «comparative», which in grammar also names the -er form (bigger, faster). Trap: «comparatively cheap» does not mean very cheap, only cheaper than others.