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View synonyms for comparative

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. Compare positive ( def 21 ), superlative ( def 2 ).


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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. the comparative form of an adjective
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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 .)
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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

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
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Example Sentences

To evaluate evolutionary trends, the researchers applied phylogenetic comparative methods to assess phenotypic and lineage diversification, while disparity analyses quantified the extent of morphological variation across anglerfish clades and habitats.

One classic argument for agricultural trade liberalization is to let countries exploit their comparative advantages and grow what they grow best.

As a result, Huel has been ordered to take down the banned ad and was warned about making general health claims and comparative price claims.

From BBC

The filing also claims Sánchez’s book “contains over 60% of similar content and story as the book concept Plaintiff had shared with Defendant,” according to a “comparative analysis” of the two works.

“Google manipulates its results to promote its own local search offerings above those of its rivals, regardless of the comparative poorer quality of its own properties,” a post on Yelp’s website about the suit reads.

From Salon

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