relative relative /ˈrɛlətɪv/

adjective

1. () Estimated by comparison; not absolute or complete  ( comparative , relative )
   estimated by comparison; not absolute or complete
    A relative stranger
   a relative stranger
   
2. () Properly related in size, degree or other measurable characteristics; usually followed by 'to'  ( relative , proportional )
   properly related in size, degree or other measurable characteristics; usually followed by 'to'
    The punishment ought to be proportional to the crime
   the punishment ought to be proportional to the crime
    Earnings relative to production
   earnings relative to production
   

noun

1. () A person related by blood or marriage  ( relation , relative )
   a person related by blood or marriage
    Police are searching for relatives of the deceased
   police are searching for relatives of the deceased
    He has distant relations back in New Jersey
   he has distant relations back in New Jersey
   
2. () An animal or plant that bears a relationship to another (as related by common descent or by membership in the same genus)  ( congenator , congener , congeneric , relative )
   an animal or plant that bears a relationship to another (as related by common descent or by membership in the same genus)
     The scientist analyzed the DNA samples to determine the genetic relationship between the individuals.
   The scientist analyzed the DNA samples to determine the genetic relationship between the individuals.