[ 'rɛlətɪv ]
■ adjective
1》 considered in relation or in proportion to something else: the ~ effectiveness of the mechanisms is not known.
↘existing or possessing a characteristic only in comparison to something else.
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 .
↘(of a clause) attached to an antecedent by a ~ word.
3》 Music (of major and minor keys) having the same key signature.
4》 (of a service rank) corresponding in grade to another in a different service.
■ noun
1》 a person connected by blood or marriage.
↘a species related to another by common origin.
2》 Philosophy a term or concept which is dependent on something else.
Phrases
~ to
1》 compared with or in relation to.
2》 about; concerning.
Derivatives
relatival -'tʌɪv(ə)l adjective
~ly adverb