Pronunciation: /ˈrɛlətɪv/
adjective
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1considered in relation or in proportion to something else: the relative effectiveness of the various mechanisms is not known
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existing or possessing a specified characteristic only in comparison to something else; not absolute: she went down the steps into the relative darkness of the dining room the firms are relative newcomers to computers
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2 Grammar denoting a pronoun, determiner, or adverb that refers to an expressed or implied antecedent and attaches a subordinate clause to it, e.g. which, who.
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(of a clause) attached to an antecedent by a relative word.
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3 Music (of major and minor keys) having the same key signature.
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4(of a service rank) corresponding in grade to another in a different service.
noun
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1a person connected by blood or marriage: much of my time is spent visiting relatives
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a species related to another by common origin: the plant is a relative of ivy
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2 Grammar a relative pronoun, determiner, or adverb.
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3 Philosophy a term or concept which is dependent on something else.
Phrases
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1in comparison with: the figures suggest that girls are underachieving relative to boys
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in terms of a connection to: we must consider the location of the hospital relative to its catchment area
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2about; concerning: if you have any queries relative to payment, please contact us
Derivatives
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Pronunciation: /-ˈtʌɪv(ə)l/
adjective -