Relatively means compared to something else, or in relation to other things. When you say something is relatively easy, you mean it's easier than other options you're comparing it to, not that it's absolutely easy for everyone.

Understanding this word helps you think more precisely. Saying “I'm relatively tall” is different from saying “I'm tall.” The first means you're taller than most people in your group (maybe your class or family), while the second claims you're simply tall. A math problem might be relatively simple compared to calculus, even though it still challenges you.

Scientists use this word constantly because measurements depend on what you're comparing. Mount Everest is relatively small compared to Olympus Mons on Mars, even though it's Earth's tallest mountain. Your backpack might feel relatively light after you've removed your heaviest textbooks.

The word reminds us that few things exist in isolation. Something can be relatively hot, relatively expensive, or relatively rare, depending on your point of comparison. When your teacher says a project will take relatively little time, she means less time than your other assignments, not that you can finish it in five minutes.