late 14c., "a relative pronoun," from Old French relatif (13c.), from Late Latin relativus "having reference or relation," from Latin relatus, past participle of referre "to refer" (see refer). Meaning "person in the same family" first recorded 1650s.
relative (adj.)
early 15c., "having reference," from Middle French relatif and directly from Late Latin relativus (see relative (n.)). Meaning "compared to each other" is from 1590s; that of "depending on a relationship to something else" is from 1610s.
实用例句
1. An employer can demand written certification that the relative is really ill.
雇主可以要求出具书面证明，证实员工的亲人确实病了。
来自柯林斯例句
2. Economic reform has brought relative wealth to peasant farmers.
经济改革给农民带来了相对的财富。
来自柯林斯例句
3. The person can transfer from wheelchair to seat with relative ease.
那个人可以比较轻松地从轮椅上移到座位上。
来自柯林斯例句
4. The pheasant is a close relative of the Guinea hen.
雉与珍珠鸡有很近的亲缘关系。
来自柯林斯例句
5. The weak dollar means American goods are relative bargains for foreigners.