relative
adj
1 ~ (to sth) considered in relation or proportion to sb/sth else; comparative (與他人[他事物])相對的, 成比例的, 比較的
the relative merits of the two plans, candidates, cars 兩種方案、 兩個候選人、 兩輛汽車在相比之下顯示出的長處
Supply is relative to demand. 供應要與需求保持一定比例.
They are living in relative comfort, ie compared with other people or with themselves at an earlier time. 他們現在生活比較舒適(與他人或與過去相比而言). Cf 參看 absolute 4.
2 ~ to sth (fml 文) (following ns 用於名詞之後) having a connection with sth; referring to sth 與某事物有關的; 關於或涉及某事物的
the facts relative to the problem 與這問題有關的事實
the papers relative to the case 關於此案的文件.
3 [attrib 作定語]
(grammar) referring to an earlier noun, clause or sentence 與前面的名詞、 主句、 從句或句子相關聯的
a relative pronoun, clause, adverb 關系代詞、 從句、 副詞
The word `who' in `the man who came' is a relative pronoun. 在 the man who came 這一片語中 who 這個詞是關系代詞. relative, n person who is related to another; relation 親戚; 親屬
a close/near/distant relative of hers 她的近親[較近的親戚/遠親].