noun
a member of your family
My relatives live in Texas.
She invited all her close relatives.
Common phrases & grammar
close relative · distant relative · blood relative
a relative of + person
visit + my/your + relatives
American English
How to pronounce relative
noun · adjectiveB1Common word
REHluhdihv
/ˈɹɛ.lə.ɾɪv/
3 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
a member of your family
Practice out loudMeanings & examples
adjectiveformal
connected with or concerning a particular person or thing
The report contains information relative to the accident.
We discussed issues relative to the new law.
Good to know
In this meaning, English normally uses relative to before a noun, not relative alone.
Common phrases & grammar
information relative to + noun
issues relative to + noun
adjective
judged by comparing it with something else, rather than fixed on its own
The cost is relative to the size of the apartment.
Beauty is relative.
Good to know
Do not confuse relative with related. Relative depends on a comparison; related means connected.
Common phrases & grammar
relative importance
be relative to + noun
the relative + noun + of + noun
Useful expressions
one of my family members
A relative of mine lives in Chicago.
in connection with or concerning something
The information relative to your case is confidential.