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comparative
[ kuhm-par-uh-tiv ]
adjective
- of or relating to comparison.
- proceeding by, founded on, or using comparison as a method of study:
comparative anatomy.
- estimated by comparison; not positive or absolute; relative:
a comparative newcomer in politics;
to live in comparative luxury.
- 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
- the comparative degree.
- a form in the comparative.
comparative
/ kəmˈpærətɪv /
adjective
- denoting or involving comparison
comparative literature
- judged by comparison; relative
a comparative loss of prestige
- 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
- the comparative form of an adjective
comparative
- 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 .)
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Derived Forms
- comˈparatively, adverb
- comˈparativeness, noun
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Other Words From
- com·par·a·tive·ly adverb
- com·par·a·tive·ness noun
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Word History and Origins
Origin of comparative1
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Example Sentences
This full-circle comparative literature process is well represented in modern war writing and recent Arabic fiction.
A third way to counter the negative stereotypes is to provide a bit of comparative historical context.
As a comparative study, it highlights the distinctively brutal features of American slavery.
Under the old system, only a comparative handful of members had any power.
As a comparative anatomist, MacLean viewed animal behaviors as evolutionary adaptations of the brain.
It is impossible to form a just estimate of the Bible without some knowledge of ancient history and comparative mythology.
The doctor, informed of her comparative happiness, again shrugged his shoulders.
To many causes may the comparative smallness of success that has attended these be attributed.
"Madame tells me that he is dead," said she, and Garnache was shocked at the comparative calmness with which she said it.
At Sorbonne a chair of comparative legislation was created for him.
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