Meaning & Definition of word "Relative"
to
Relative
/ˈrɛlətɪv/
noun:
- 1. A person connected by blood or marriage.
- Example: We invited all our relatives to the family reunion.
- 2. A word or phrase that relates to another in some way.
- Example: In the sentence, 'She is taller than her relative,' the word 'relative' describes a comparison.
adjective:
- 1. Considered in relation or in proportion to something else.
- Example: The relative speed of the two cars affected their likelihood of collision.
- 2. Not absolute; observed in relation to other factors.
- Example: The relative humidity in the room was higher than outside.
Etymology
From Latin 'relativus', from 'referre' meaning 'to relate'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
relative term:
A term whose meaning is dependent on the context or comparison.
relative to:
In relation to; concerning.
a relative measure:
A measure that is considered in relation to another.
next of kin:
A person's closest living relative.
Related Words
relative clause:
A clause that modifies a noun and contains a relative pronoun.
relativity:
The concept that physical laws are the same for all observers.
Slang Meanings of relative
Meaning: A relative that you don't know well.
Example Sentence: I met some relatives at the family reunion who I had never seen before.
Meaning: Used to refer to family members in a casual or humorous way.
Example Sentence: My uncle's story was so wild, I thought he was my crazy relative.