relatively, comparatively
- relatively, comparatively
These words mean about the same thing, and it makes no difference whether one says "It was a relatively minor accident" or "It was a comparatively minor accident." What does make a difference is the use of either term when there is actually nothing to be related or compared to. Neither word can be justified in a sentence such as "There was relatively (or comparatively) little discussion of this brand-new proposal." "Little discussion" relative or comparable to what? Can any "little discussion" be typical? A "brand-new proposal" is unique and has not been discussed before, either at length or briefly. In short, relatively and comparatively are often meaningless words that add nothing.
Dictionary of problem words and expressions.
Harry Shaw.
1975.
Look at other dictionaries:
comparatively — See relatively. See relatively, comparatively … Dictionary of problem words and expressions
relatively — See relatively, comparatively … Dictionary of problem words and expressions
comparatively — like relatively, has been used since at least the early 19c as a ‘downtoning’ adverb, even where actual comparison is not involved: • He had had comparatively little to do with women P. Newton, 1972 • It was a comparatively shabby office G.… … Modern English usage
Comparatively — Com*par a*tive*ly, adv. According to estimate made by comparison; relatively; not positively or absolutely. [1913 Webster] With but comparatively few exceptions. Prescott. [1913 Webster] … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
comparatively — Comparatively little progress was made in the talks yesterday (Guardian). Compared with what? Comparatively should be reserved for occasions when a comparison is being expressed or at least clearly implied. If all you mean is fairly or only a… … Bryson’s dictionary for writers and editors
comparatively — Comparatively little progress was made in the talks yesterday (Guardian). Compared with what? Comparatively should be reserved for occasions when a comparison is being expressed or at least clearly implied. If all you mean is fairly or only a … Dictionary of troublesome word
relatively — like comparatively, is widely used as a ‘downtoning’ adverb meaning ‘fairly, somewhat’, without any real notion of relativity or comparison: • The natural question to pursue is whether the Chinese state has been able to maintain control in this… … Modern English usage
comparatively — [kəm par′ə tivlē] adv. 1. in a comparative manner 2. by comparison; relatively * * * See comparative. * * * … Universalium
comparatively — ► ADVERB ▪ to a moderate degree as compared to something else; relatively … English terms dictionary
comparatively — [kəm par′ə tivlē] adv. 1. in a comparative manner 2. by comparison; relatively … English World dictionary
