comparatively
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comparatively
Expresses that something is judged in comparison with something else or in relation to an expected standard. It means roughly 'relatively' or 'by comparison'.
Für einen Anfänger spielt er vergleichsweise gut Klavier.
For a beginner, he plays the piano comparatively well.
The word is made up of 'Vergleich' (comparison), the linking -s, and the ending '-weise'. The ending '-weise' means 'in a certain way or manner'. So 'vergleichsweise' literally means 'in the manner of a comparison'.
Das Wetter ist heute vergleichsweise mild für Januar.
The weather today is comparatively mild for January.
As an adverb, 'vergleichsweise' can appear in different places in the sentence. It often stands in position 1, followed by the verb in position 2. But it can also stand inside the sentence directly before the adjective or adverb it describes.
Vergleichsweise wenige Menschen nahmen an der Veranstaltung teil.
Comparatively few people attended the event.
'Vergleichsweise' is almost always used to qualify an adjective or another adverb. Typical combinations are 'vergleichsweise gut' (comparatively good/well), 'vergleichsweise einfach' (comparatively easy), 'vergleichsweise günstig' (comparatively affordable), or 'vergleichsweise selten' (comparatively rare/rarely).
Für ein so altes Auto ist es in einem vergleichsweise guten Zustand.
For such an old car, it is in comparatively good condition.
rather / earlier
'eher' and 'vergleichsweise' can both make a statement more cautious or more relative. 'eher' is often used when choosing between options or classifying something more precisely: 'Es ist eher warm als kalt' (It is rather warm than cold). 'vergleichsweise' is used when you are really comparing something with something else: compared with other things, something is expensive, cheap, large, or small. Learners may confuse the words because both can stand before adjectives. If a choice or assessment is meant, 'eher' often fits. If there is a comparison in the background, 'vergleichsweise' is more precise.
Die Fahrt war bei schlechtem Wetter vergleichsweise ruhig.
The ride was comparatively calm despite the bad weather.
Nach dem Gespräch wirkt mein Nachbar eher ruhig als wütend.
After the conversation, my neighbor seems rather calm than angry.