comparison

[ kuhm-par-uh-suhn ]

noun

1. the act of comparing.
2. the state of being compared.
3. a likening; illustration by similitude; comparative estimate or statement.
4. Rhetoric. the considering of two things with regard to some characteristic that is common to both, as the likening of a hero to a lion in courage.
5. capability of being compared or likened.

   Synonyms: similarity, resemblance, likeness

6. Grammar.
   1. the function of an adverb or adjective that is used to indicate degrees of superiority or inferiority in quality, quantity, or intensity.
   2. the patterns of formation involved therein.
   3. the degrees of a particular word, displayed in a fixed order, as mild, milder, mildest, less mild, least mild.

comparison

/ kəmˈpærɪsən /

noun

1. the act or process of comparing
2. the state of being compared
3. comparable quality or qualities; likeness

   there was no comparison between them

4. a rhetorical device involving comparison, such as a simile
5. Also calleddegrees of comparison grammar the listing of the positive, comparative, and superlative forms of an adjective or adverb
6. bear comparison or stand comparison
   to be sufficiently similar in class or range to be compared with (something else), esp favourably

Other Words From

• inter·com·pari·son noun
• precom·pari·son noun
• recom·pari·son noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of comparison¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English comparesoun, from Old French comparaison, from Latin comparātiōn-, stem of comparātiō, from comparāt(us) “placed together” (past participle of comparāre “to place together, match”; compare ) + -iō -ion

Example Sentences

In comparison, pygmy blue whales have five different songs corresponding to five different populations.

From Science Daily

In comparison with other drugs available, the authors found very little data suggesting that the drug lamotrigine in pregnancy increases the risk of neurodevelopmental issues in offspring.

From Science Daily

India and Sub-Saharan Africa, both with rapidly growing middle classes, young populations and significant workforce potential, share longstanding comparisons.

From BBC

Arnold’s work has always naturally drawn comparisons to that legendary chronicler of the downtrodden classes, Ken Loach.

From Los Angeles Times

By comparison, in the astronomical calendar, winter always starts at the winter solstice - or shortest day.

From BBC

Related Words

• analogy
• connection
• contrast
• correlation
• example
• identification
• juxtaposition
• observation
• ratio
• relation
• resemblance
• similarity
• testing