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

As a result, Huel has been ordered to take down the banned ad and was warned about making general health claims and comparative price claims.

From BBC

The filing also claims Sánchez’s book “contains over 60% of similar content and story as the book concept Plaintiff had shared with Defendant,” according to a “comparative analysis” of the two works.

From Los Angeles Times

“Google manipulates its results to promote its own local search offerings above those of its rivals, regardless of the comparative poorer quality of its own properties,” a post on Yelp’s website about the suit reads.

From Salon

“We have five criteria in the comparative judging system. Her level was maybe not as high as the other competitors,” said top Olympic breakdancing judge Martin Gilian at a post-event press conference.

From Salon

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

Related Words

• provisional