Definition and meaning of English word "relative"
relative
/ˈrɛlətɪv/
Meaning
NounSomeone connected by blood, marriage, or adoption; someone in the same family.
How to use
The term 'relative' is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to refer to family members. A notable grammatical nuance is that 'relative' can be used as a countable noun, allowing for plural forms such as 'relatives'. Learners should be cautious not to confuse 'relative' with 'relatives', as the former can refer to a single family member, whereas the latter refers to multiple family members.
🇬🇧 English
relative
Example
My relative is coming.
I have a relative.
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Common phrases
- close relative— a relative who is closely related, such as a parent or child
- distant relative— a relative who is not closely related, such as a cousin or great-aunt
- family relative— a relative who is part of one's family
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This concept in other languages
Frequency rank: #530 in English
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the English word "relative" mean?▼
The English word "relative" means "relative" in English.
How do you pronounce the English word "relative"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "relative" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "relative"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "My relative is coming." (which translates as "relative").
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