relativ
relatively
Used as an adverb to soften a statement; means something like 'quite', 'comparatively', or 'fairly'.
EXAMPLE
Für diese Jahreszeit ist es heute relativ warm.
For this time of year, it is relatively warm today.
relativ
relative / relatively
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Meanings
relativ
relative
Used as an adjective to express that something is not absolute, but depends on a particular point of view or relationship.
EXAMPLE
Ob etwas teuer ist, ist immer relativ und hängt vom Einkommen ab.
Whether something is expensive is always relative and depends on income.
Usage tips
False friend
The German word 'relativ' (relative/relatively) is an adjective or adverb. Don't confuse it with the English noun 'a relative' (a family member). A family member is called 'der/die Verwandte' in German.
EXAMPLE
Meine Verwandten leben alle in einer anderen Stadt.
My relatives all live in another city.
Use as an adverb
As an adverb, 'relativ' (relatively) comes before an adjective or another adverb and slightly weakens its meaning. It then means 'ziemlich' (quite) or 'vergleichsweise' (comparatively) and is not declined.
EXAMPLE
Der Film war relativ langweilig.
The film was relatively boring.
Use as an adjective
As an adjective, 'relativ' (relative) expresses that something depends on a point of view. If it comes before a noun, it must be declined like any other adjective.
EXAMPLE
Das ist nur eine relative Sicherheit, keine absolute.
That is only relative security, not absolute security.
Compare with
relativ vs recht
right / quite
Recht and relativ can indicate the degree of a quality. Recht directly intensifies it and means something like “quite” or “very.” Relativ tends to soften the statement and often suggests a comparison or reference point.
relativ
Im Vergleich zur Strecke gestern ist der Weg zum Bahnhof relativ lang.
Compared with yesterday’s route, the walk to the train station is relatively long.
recht
Der Weg zum Bahnhof ist recht lang.
The walk to the train station is quite long.
In real life
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