American English
/ˌɹɛ.ləˈtʰɪ.və.ɾi/
5 syllables · Stress the third syllable.
A scientific theory saying that time and distance can be measured differently by observers in different motion, and that gravity affects space and time.
In relativity, the vowel in the light syllable before the ending may sound like a quick “uh” (/ˌɹɛ.ləˈtʰɪ.və.ɾi/) or a quick short “i” (/ˌɹɛ.ləˈtʰɪ.vɪ.ɾi/). Keep that syllable light rather than emphasizing it.
A scientific theory saying that time and distance can be measured differently by observers in different motion, and that gravity affects space and time.
Relativity explains why time can pass differently near a black hole.
Einstein developed the theory of relativity.
the theory of relativity · special relativity · general relativity · Einstein's theory of relativity
relativity explains + noun phrase
according to relativity, + subject + verb
The fact that something depends on a situation, a point of view, or a comparison instead of being completely fixed or true in every situation.
The relativity of beauty is clear in different cultures.
The essay discusses the relativity of moral judgment.
moral relativity · cultural relativity
the relativity of + noun
the scientific theory developed mainly by Albert Einstein about space, time, motion, and gravity
She is taking a course on the theory of relativity.
the part of relativity about motion, space, and time when gravity is not the main factor
Special relativity changed our ideas about time.
the part of relativity that explains gravity as an effect of curved space and time
General relativity predicts the behavior of black holes.