Compare
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /kəmˈpɛɚ/ · Part of speech verb
Quick meaning: Compare is a verb meaning (transitive) To declare two things to be similar in some respect ["to compare X to Y"].
Meaning
(transitive) To declare two things to be similar in some respect ["to compare X to Y"].
More Meanings
- (transitive, grammar) To form the three degrees of comparison of (an adjective).
- (intransitive) To be similar (often used in the negative).
- (uncountable) Comparison.
- (countable, programming) An instruction or command that compares two values or states.
- (uncountable, obsolete) Illustration by comparison; simile.
- (transitive) 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.
- (obsolete) To get; to obtain.
Example Sentences
You can't compare my problems and yours.
We compare "good" as "good", "better", "best".
Astronomers have compared comets to dirty snowballs.
Compare the tiger's coloration with that of the zebra.
Word Forms
- compares
- comparing
- compared
- comparest
- comparedst
- compareth
Synonyms for compare
Depending on context, synonyms include collate, liken, comparison, equivalence, equate, comparability.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include comparison, liken, comparability, equivalence, equate, comparer.
Related Dictionary Tools
Practice “compare” in a Crossword
Recall this definition from a clue, use crossing letters, and review the word again when you solve it.
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.