comparative method

noun

, Historical Linguistics.

1. a body of procedures and criteria used by linguists to determine whether and how two or more languages are related and to reconstruct forms of their hypothetical parent language.

Example Sentences

In another department of the painter's art, the comparative method of study is no less suggestive.

From Project Gutenberg

The "comparative method" has assumed several different forms.

From Project Gutenberg

Hayley perhaps alone, or almost alone, is rebel to the comparative method.

From Project Gutenberg

Another general line of attack worthy to be mentioned alongside of the experimental is the comparative method.

From Project Gutenberg

Now the science of law must, of necessity, be a national one, even if at the same time it employs the comparative method.

From Project Gutenberg