relative

word

/ˈɹɛɫətɪv/
REL-uh-tiv
/ɹˈɛlətˌɪv/
REL-uh-tiv

Definition

A relative is a person in your family, such as an aunt, cousin, or grandfather. As an adjective, relative means something that depends on a situation or comparison, not something fixed or absolute.

Usage & Nuances

As a noun, it is most commonly used for family members: 'a close relative', 'distant relatives'. As an adjective, it often appears in formal or academic phrases like 'relative importance', 'relative speed', and 'relative to'. Do not confuse it with 'relationship', which is the connection between people.

Example Sentences

My relative lives in another city.

basic

Success is relative — it means different things to different people.

natural

She is a relative of my teacher.

basic

The test was easy, but that's relative.

basic

We only see those relatives at weddings and funerals.

natural

The price seems high relative to what we paid last year.

natural