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relative/relatively

English translation: They don't mean much really...

16:40 Feb 15, 2008
English language (monolingual) [Non-PRO]
Social Sciences - Social Science, Sociology, Ethics, etc.
English term or phrase: relative/relatively
Hello! I think the use of relative/relatively is overused in American English, and sometimes I get the feeling it hasn't a real meaning. For example, how would you intepret it in these sentences?
"How would you describe his relative use of the five interpersonal management styles? How would you evaluate that person's conflict management effectiveness?'"
"Nonverbal cues have been linked to a wide variety of concepts and issues. We briefly consider two: (1) cultural differences and (2) status differences, in terms of the relative ranking of individuals and groups"
Thx!
Maverick82 (X)
Local time: 07:41
Selected answer:They don't mean much really...
Explanation:
In the first instance, it could mean how one style use used relative to others, how they styles are made to fit in with each other; in the case of ranking, the fact that it is "relative" seems obvious. I reckon you could leave them both out if you think fit
Selected response from:

Jack Doughty
United Kingdom
Local time: 06:41
Grading comment
Thx Jack
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



SUMMARY OF ALL EXPLANATIONS PROVIDED
4 +3They don't mean much really...
Jack Doughty


  

Answers


8 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5 peer agreement (net): +3
They don't mean much really...


Explanation:
In the first instance, it could mean how one style use used relative to others, how they styles are made to fit in with each other; in the case of ranking, the fact that it is "relative" seems obvious. I reckon you could leave them both out if you think fit

Jack Doughty
United Kingdom
Local time: 06:41
Native speaker of: English
PRO pts in category: 44
Grading comment
Thx Jack
Notes to answerer
Asker: I'm working on my thesis writeaway, and I'd like to do it as best as I can. This is why I'm asking so many questions. I decided to subscribe because I need some professional support, it is my right to ask 60 questions per week, you are not entitled to tell me what I should do. If you don't feel like helping me, just don't answer. Thx Simon for your support :-)


Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
neutral  Thoth: In the case of a ranking, you could see it as relative to others / vs. its absolute ranking. The absolute ranking may be position 8 in a chart, the relative ranking would be between 7 and 9. Does that make sense?
4 mins
agree  PoveyTrans (X): With Jack on both accounts and that they can be left out. Proz invites students to join and is supportive of younger translators as they learn their craft.
2 hrs
  -> Thank you.
agree  Adela Porumbel: It is overused...
3 hrs
  -> Thank you.
agree  V_Nedkov
8 days
  -> Thank you.
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