American Dictionary

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Definition relative in American English

relative adjective

adjective
/ˈrelətɪv/
1

having a particular quality when compared with something else

Example

There was relative calm after the violence of the previous night.

Example

a period of relative economic stability

Synonyms and related words
1.1

considered in comparison with other similar things

Example

The parents were discussing the relative merits of the local schools.

Example

I think we work very hard, but it's all relative.

Synonyms and related words
Definition relative in American English