"compared to" vs "relative to"

Question

"compared to" vs "relative to"

Both "compared to" and "relative to" are correct phrases used to show a relationship between two things. They can be used interchangeably in many contexts, but there are subtle differences in usage. "Compared to" is more commonly used when highlighting similarities or differences between two things, while "relative to" is often used to indicate a relationship or position in relation to something else.

Last Updated: March 31, 2024

This phrase is used to highlight similarities or differences between two things. It is often followed by a noun or pronoun to which the comparison is being made.

Examples:

She is tall compared to her sister.
The new model is faster compared to the old one.
This year's sales figures are impressive compared to last year's.
The movie was disappointing compared to the book.
His salary is low compared to others in his field.

Alternatives:

in comparison to
as opposed to
contrasted with
when compared with
by contrast

This phrase is used to show a relationship or position in relation to something else. It is often followed by a noun or pronoun that serves as the reference point.

Examples:

The cost of living is high relative to the average income.
The company's performance is strong relative to its competitors.
The project's success is relative to the team's effort.
His achievements are impressive relative to his background.
The benefits are minimal relative to the risks involved.

Alternatives:

in relation to
with respect to
in comparison with
in proportion to
in correlation with

Answer 1

compared to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to show similarities or differences between two things.

Answer 2

relative to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate a relationship or position in relation to something else.

"compared to" vs "relative to"

compared to

relative to

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