relativistic

adjective

rel·​a·​tiv·​is·​tic ˌre-lə-ti-ˈvi-stik 

1

: of, relating to, or characterized by relativity or relativism

2

: moving at a velocity such that there is a significant change in properties (such as mass) in accordance with the theory of relativity

a relativistic electron

relativistically

ˌre-lə-ti-ˈvi-sti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of relativistic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The problem is viewing it from a special relativistic perspective. —Big Think, 1 May 2026

Many other traditionalists have made a version of Scruton’s critique, insisting that contemporary art reflects self-indulgent, relativistic, and impious tendencies. —Luis Parrales, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026

Using the Gemini laser to fire intense pulses into a plasma mirror moving at relativistic speeds, researchers have successfully demonstrated relativistic harmonic generation. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 22 Apr. 2026

Whether as a monolithic mirror or a fancy interferometric array, the telescope would be so big that relativistic effects would come into play. —Phil Plait, Scientific American, 20 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for relativistic

• anachronistic
• animalistic
• antagonistic
• antiphlogistic
• behavioristic
• cannibalistic
• capitalistic
• characteristic
• collectivistic
• deterministic
• ethnolinguistic
• expressionistic

Kids Definition

relativistic

adjective

rel·​a·​tiv·​is·​tic ˌrel-ət-iv-ˈis-tik 

: of, relating to, or characterized by relativity

relativistically

-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb