comparatively

American  

[kuhm-par-uh-tiv-lee] / kəmˈpær ə tɪv li /

adverb

1. in comparison to some other person or thing, or to others in a similar category; relatively.

   Their hamburger was large, flavorful, and served with a decent number of onion rings, for a comparatively low price.

2. in a way that uses or proceeds by comparison.

   The aim of this study is to comparatively examine sun exposure and sun protection behaviors of young children in two urban settings.

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Etymology

Origin of comparatively

comparative ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Small, two-stroke engines typically found in go-karts, chainsaws—and Iran’s long-range Shahed drone—are simple and reliable, but can be comparatively bulky and inefficient.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

Seeing as they’re comparatively easier to scale and relatively stable, the technology might seem ready for commercialization today.

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

Sabrina Carpenter famously works late, so it might come as a surprise to some that “Espresso” songstress’ headlining set at Coachella 2026 is comparatively early in the night at 9 p.m.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Nursing homes have a powerful incentive to sedate residents, and comparatively few people are watching.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

But that was as nothing–well, as comparatively little–compared with what may await Tokyo.

From "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson