compare
//kəmˈpɛɚ//
Forms
- present (v1)
- compare
- past (v2)
- compared
- past participle (v3)
- compared
- present participle
- comparing
- 3rd person singular
- compares
- Plural
- compares
Definitions
1.To form the three degrees of comparison of (an adjective).
- We compare "good" as "good", "better", "best".
2.To be similar (often used in the negative).
- A sapling and a fully-grown oak tree do not compare.
3.To assess the similarities and differences between two or more things ["to compare X with Y"]. Having made the comparison of X with Y, one might have found it similar to Y or different from Y.
- You can't compare my problems and yours.
- Compare the tiger's coloration with that of the zebra.
- Sophia broke down here. Even at this moment she was subconsciously comparing her rendering of the part of the forlorn bride with Miss Marie Lohr's.
4.To declare two things to be similar in some respect ["to compare X to Y"].
- Astronomers have compared comets to dirty snowballs.
- Solon compared the people unto the sea, and orators and counsellors to the winds; for that the sea would be calm and quiet if the winds did not trouble it.
1.Comparison.
- Their small galleys may not hold compare with our tall ships.
2.An instruction or command that compares two values or states.
Frequency
Overall
Common· #800
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Rare
- General reading & writing
- Common
- Academic
- Uncommon
- Literature
- Rare
Etymology
From Middle English comparen, from Old French comparer, from Latin comparare (“to prepare, procure”), from compar (“like or equal to another”), from com- + par (“equal”).
Displaced native Old English metan (“to compare,” also “to measure”).