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.

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.)

Other Word Forms

• comparatively adverb
• comparativeness 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

Instead, he pursued reciprocal trade agreements with countries, especially in the Western Hemisphere, that had a comparative advantage in producing particular goods.

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If you ponder that for a moment, you will know all you need to know about comparatives and superlatives.

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America’s real comparative advantage is its workers of all stripes—everywhere from factory floors to drilling rigs, corporate cubicles to garage startups—who devise new ways of doing business.

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Sanford hopes to broaden the work to additional primate species, creating a comparative view of reasoning abilities across evolutionary branches.

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In the humanities division, the cutbacks mean the school is pausing Ph.D. admissions for a year in disciplines like comparative literature, Germanic studies and art history.

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Related Words

• provisional