Emily Dickinson Lexicon

COM-PAR'A-TIVE-LY, adv.

In a state of comparison; by comparison; according to estimate made by comparison; not positively, absolutely or in itself. A thing is comparatively heavy, when it is compared with something less heavy. Paper is comparatively light or heavy; light, when compared with lead; and heavy, when compared with air. How few, comparatively, are the instances of a wise application of time and talents! – Anon.