relative

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Explanation of the Word "Relative"

Part of Speech: Adjective and Noun

Summary:

"Relative" is a versatile word that can describe how things are connected or compared, and it also refers to family members.

Academic

Adjective

1. properly related in size or degree or other measurable characteristics; usually followed by `to'
   • the punishment ought to be proportional to the crime
   • earnings relative to production
2. estimated by comparison; not absolute or complete
   • a relative stranger

Noun

1. an animal or plant that bears a relationship to another (as related by common descent or by membership in the same genus)
2. a person related by blood or marriage
   • police are searching for relatives of the deceased
   • he has distant relations back in New Jersey

Synonyms

• proportional
• comparative
• congener
• congenator
• congeneric
• relation