relative

Relative is a term used across languages and disciplines to denote dependence on context or relation to something else. As an adjective, it describes how the value, meaning, or significance of a thing varies with reference points or frames of reference. For example, speed is relative to a chosen frame of reference, and height can be described as relative to the observer or to a baseline.

As a noun, a relative is a family member connected by blood relationship or by marriage. The term covers parents, siblings, grandparents, cousins, in-laws, and other extended kin. Relatives are often considered in social, genealogical, or legal contexts, such as inheritance, succession, or family trees.

In linguistics, a relative clause is a subordinate clause that modifies a noun and is introduced by a relative pronoun such as who, whom, whose, which, or that. Example: "the scientist who won" demonstrates how the relative clause adds information about the noun.

In science, relativity describes how measurements depend on the observer’s frame of reference. Relative motion and relative velocity refer to the observation of movement from one object or frame of reference to another, a foundational idea in physics and in some theories of spacetime.

In computing, relative paths specify locations relative to a current directory, as opposed to absolute paths that point to a fixed, complete location.

In philosophy and social theory, relativism asserts that points of view, truth, or moral judgments are valid only within a specific context or framework, not universally.