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relative

[ˈɹɛl.ə.tʰɪv]

When used as a noun, "relative" refers to family members. It can be used for both close family (like parents) and distant ones (like second cousins). When used as an adjective, it often describes how something is judged by comparing it to something else. For example, if you say a task is "relatively easy," you mean it is easy compared to another task.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Victoria is in a high-stakes board meeting while Mr. Sterling is at his private spa.
Mr. Sterling

Victoria, the quarterly dip is just relative to our spiritual growth.

Mr. Sterling
Victoria
Victoria

The board doesn't give a toss about spirituality when we're bleeding cash.

💡
Mr. Sterling uses 'relative' in the adjective sense (comparative/not absolute) to dismiss financial losses with philosophical vagueness. Victoria responds using the British slang 'give a toss' (to care), highlighting her frustration and grounded nature compared to his eccentricity.

Meanings

noun

A person connected by blood or marriage.

"She is a distant relative of the royal family."

adjective

Considered in relation or proportion to something else.

"The relative ease of the test surprised many students."

adjective

Existing or possessing a characteristic only in comparison to something else; not absolute.

"The speed of light is an absolute constant, whereas velocity is relative."

Examples

Is he a close relative or just some distant cousin?

Look, the relative humidity in here is absolutely killing me!

I just don't think we have any relative merit here.

My relative wealth is nothing compared to your fancy car!

She's a distant relative, but she acts like she owns us.

Wait, is this relative to the original claim you made?

I can't believe some random relative is crashing our wedding!

The relative speed of these two cars is just insane.

Everything is relative, so stop acting like you're a saint!

I need to call my relative before the flight leaves.

Related Words

Last Updated: May 21, 2026Report an Error