Meaning & use
comparatively speaking
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Meaning
phrasefixed phrase
Used to show that a statement is true only when you compare it with something else.
Grammar: Usually comes at the start or end of a clause, often separated by a comma.
Patterns
- comparatively speaking, ...
- ... , comparatively speaking
The weather is mild here, comparatively speaking.
Comparatively speaking, this test was easier than the last one.
She is rich, comparatively speaking, but not a millionaire.
Common combinations
- comparatively speaking, ...
- Comparatively speaking, the new system is more efficient.
- ... , comparatively speaking
- The exam was easy, comparatively speaking.
- relatively speaking
- Relatively speaking, the cost is low.
- broadly speaking
- Broadly speaking, the plan will work.
Synonyms and how they differ
- relatively speaking
- Similar meaning but often used to compare amounts or degrees; 'comparatively speaking' is more explicit about comparison.
Word family
- comparative adjective
- Involving comparison; e.g., 'a comparative study'.
- comparatively adverb
- In a comparative manner; used before adjectives, e.g., 'comparatively cheap'.
Commonly confused: comparatively speaking or comparably?
comparatively speaking vs comparably
Means 'in a similar way'; 'comparatively speaking' means 'when compared', not 'similarly'.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'comparatively speaking' correctly?
Choose one answer.
Option 1 is correct because it compares the weather to other times or places. Option 0 is wrong because 'taller' already compares two people, so 'comparatively speaking' is redundant. Option 2 is a simple preference, not a comparison. Option 3 uses 'fastly', which is not a word.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “comparatively speaking”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.