relative
UK: ˈrel.ə.tɪv | US: ˈrel.ə.t̬ɪv
n. a person connected by blood or marriage
adj. considered in relation to something else; comparative
adj. (grammar) referring to an earlier noun, clause, or sentence
relative = relat<refer> + ive<adjective suffix>
- relat (from Latin relatus, past participle of referre "to bring back, refer")
- ive (suffix forming adjectives, from Latin -ivus)
Etymology Origin:
The word "relative" traces back to Latin relativus, meaning "having reference or relation." It combines relatus (the past participle of referre, "to bring back" or "to refer") with the adjectival suffix -ivus. The core idea is "connected to" or "dependent on context," reflecting its modern meanings in family relations, comparisons, and grammar.
She introduced me to her distant relative at the family reunion.
The humidity is high relative to the temperature today.
In the sentence "The book that I read," "that" is a relative pronoun.
Wealth is a relative concept—it depends on one's perspective.
He studied the relative strengths of different materials for the project.