English Explanatory Dictionary

compare

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb

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.
To declare two things to be similar in some respect ["to compare X to Y"].
To form the three degrees of comparison of (an adjective).
To be similar (often used in the negative).
To get; to obtain.

noun

Comparison.
An instruction or command that compares two values or states.
Illustration by comparison; simile.

Pronunciation

/kəmˈpɛɚ/ [kəmˈpɛɚ] [kəmˈpɛɹ] [kəmˈpeɚ] [kəmˈpeɹ] /kəmˈpɛə/ [kəmˈpɛː] [kəmˈpɛə] [kəmˈpeə] en-us-compare.ogg

Word forms

compare compares comparing compared no-table-tags glossary comparest comparedst compareth cp. comp. cmp

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”).

Synonyms

Related words

comparand comparandum comparative comparison cf contrast

Derived words

comparable compare and contrast compare and despair compare apples to apples compare apples with apples comparee compare notes comparingly incompared intercompare miscompare recompare uncompared beyond compare

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