What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
comparatively
Example
The new car is comparatively more fuel-efficient than the old one. [comparatively: adverb]
Example
His salary is comparatively lower than his colleagues in the same position. [comparatively: adverb]
relatively
Example
The city is relatively safe compared to other urban areas. [relatively: adverb]
Example
She is relatively young to be in such a high-ranking position. [relatively: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Relatively is more commonly used than comparatively in everyday language. Relatively is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while comparatively is less common and often used in more formal or academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between comparatively and relatively?
While comparatively is typically associated with a more formal tone, relatively is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.