comparative

[ kuhm-par-uh-tiv ]

adjective

1. of or relating to comparison.
2. proceeding by, founded on, or using comparison as a method of study:

   comparative anatomy.

3. estimated by comparison; not positive or absolute; relative:

   a comparative newcomer in politics;

   to live in comparative luxury.

4. Grammar. being, noting, or pertaining to the intermediate degree of the comparison of adjectives, as better and more beautiful, the comparative forms of good and beautiful, and of adverbs, as nearer and more carefully, the comparative forms of near and carefully. Compare positive ( def 21 ), superlative ( def 2 ).

noun

, Grammar.

1. the comparative degree.
2. a form in the comparative.

comparative

/ kəmˈpærətɪv /

adjective

1. denoting or involving comparison

   comparative literature

2. judged by comparison; relative

   a comparative loss of prestige

3. grammar denoting the form of an adjective that indicates that the quality denoted is possessed to a greater extent. In English the comparative form of an adjective is usually marked by the suffix -er or the word more Compare positive superlative

noun

1. the comparative form of an adjective

comparative

1. A form of an adjective indicating a greater degree of the quality that the adjective describes. Better is the comparative form of good ; faster is the comparative form of fast ; bluer is the comparative form of blue ; more charming is the comparative form of charming . ( Compare superlative .)

Derived Forms

• comˈparatively, adverb
• comˈparativeness, noun

Other Words From

• com·par·a·tive·ly adverb
• com·par·a·tive·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of comparative¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin comparātīvus, equivalent to comparāt(us) (past participle of comparāre “to place together, match”; compare, -ate ¹ ) + -īvus -ive

Example Sentences

Ever since the merger failed, Spirit’s stock has tanked, and its market value has slipped from $6 billion in 2015 to comparative pennies today.

From Slate

The author, a comparative literature PhD student at USC, lives in Studio City.

From Los Angeles Times

And I know all too well that L.A. men aren’t interested in my pursuit of a PhD in comparative literature, which might even be intimidating.

From Los Angeles Times

"Using this comparative model, we were then able to trace down the piezo-positive mechanosensory neurons and taste receptor-expressing epithelial cells in digging sea robins that were absent in the non-digging species."

From Salon

In the long run, both Florida and Texas are more fertile ground for Democrats than Montana, whose only comparative advantage is that it is cheaper to advertise there.

From Slate

Related Words

• provisional