comparative

American  

[kuhm-par-uh-tiv] / kəmˈpær ə tɪv /

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.

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noun

Grammar.

• comparatives
  plural

1. the comparative degree.

2. a form in the comparative.

comparative British  

/ 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

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noun

1. the comparative form of an adjective

comparative Cultural  

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.)

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• comparativeness
  noun
• comparatively
  adverb

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• comparatives
  plural

Etymology

Origin of comparative

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin comparātīvus, equivalent to comparāt(us) (past participle of comparāre “to place together, match”; see compare, -ate ¹) + -īvus -ive

Explanation

The word comparative deals, naturally, with comparisons, looking at characteristics of two or more things. For example, you might study a course such as comparative literature, which examines works from two or more cultures or languages. Coming from the Latin verb comparāre, "to compare," comparative worked its way into Late Middle English as an adjectival form indicating comparison. In the comparative form, the adjective either ends in "-er" (my hands are smaller than yours are) or uses the word "more" before it (you are more qualified than the other applicants are). The word also can offer an estimate rather than an absolute. You might be a comparative beginner in cooking class, but your ham still won the prize.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

comparative comparatives

A comparative literature professor at Stanford University, his forthcoming book, “What Tech Calls Governing,” examines the increasingly authoritarian politics of Silicon Valley.

From Salon ● Aug. 14, 2026

In 2018, for example, the company undertook a major reorganization of senior management based on the principle of division of labor by comparative advantage.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 12, 2026

However, scientists lacked enough comparative material and anatomical research to determine exactly what kind of giant salamander the bones represented.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 24, 2026

The two officers were awarded the Elizabeth Emblem in late 2024, but the paper says that there is no comparative accolade for those who are injured while in service.

From BBC ● Jul. 3, 2026

Gabriel discovered that they spoke, jokingly, of the comparative number of souls each of them had saved, as though they were keeping score in a poolroom.

From "Go Tell It on the Mountain" by James Baldwin

The company said this would be driven, among other items, by actions taken in North America and continental Europe to improve performance, as well as easier comparatives in continental Europe.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 17, 2025

British online fashion retailer Boohoo said revenue fell 11% in its key Christmas trading period, hurt by delivery disruption and tough comparatives, as it broadly stuck to annual guidance.

From Reuters ● Jan. 19, 2023

In a sport built on comparatives — faster, longer, more, more, more — his 100-mile trail race portfolio is formidable: He has won 38 of them, more than anyone else in the world.

From New York Times ● Sep. 18, 2016

This is a role that risks a dizzyingly intimidating collection of comparatives on the vocal and comedic fronts.

From Chicago Tribune ● Dec. 28, 2010

The Incorrigibles had been studying comparatives and superlatives.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

• provisional