relative to (something)
relative to (something)
Corresponding, in direct relation, or proportionate to something. We just have to be sure that the profit potential of this project is acceptable relative to the amount of time, money, and effort it will take to complete it. Of course you aren't saving any money—your monthly expenditures are too high relative to your income.
See also: relative
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
relative to someone or something
1. concerning someone or something. I have something to say relative to Bill. Do you have any information relative to the situation in South America?
2. in proportion to someone or something. My happiness is relative to yours. I can spend an amount of money relative to the amount of money I earn.
See also: relative
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
relative to
Correspondent or proportionate to, as in Relative to its size, Boston has a great many universities, or It's important to get all the facts relative to the collision. Another form of this idiom is in or with relation to , meaning "in reference or with regard to," as in Demand is high in relation to supply, or That argument changes nothing with relation to our plans for hiring workers. The usages with relative date from the second half of the 1700s, those with relation from the late 1500s.
See also: relative
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
- relative
- relative to
- ways and means
- in relation to
- in relation to (something)
- correspond
- correspond about (someone or something)
- correspond with (one) about (someone or something)
- hold feet to the fire
- hold someone's feet to the fire