An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

(adj.): Existing or having its specific nature only by relation to something else; not absolute or independent.
See also: → relative atomic mass, → relative azimuth, → relative dating, → relative density, → relative error, → relative frequency, → relative humidity, → relative invariant, → relative tensor, → relative vector, → relative permeability, → relative refractive index, → relative sunspot number, → relative velocity, → relatively, → relativity.

Etymology (EN): From M.E. relatif (n.), from O.Fr. relatif, from L.L. relativus “having reference or relation,” from L. relatus, suppletive p.p. of referre “to refer,” → relate.

Etymology (PE): Bâzâni, from bâzân- present stem of bâzânidan,
→ relate, + -i adj. suffix.