comparative

¹com·par·a·tive

adjective \-tiv\

Definition of COMPARATIVE

1

: of, relating to, or constituting the degree of comparison in a language that denotes increase in the quality, quantity, or relation expressed by an adjective or adverb

2

: considered as if in comparison to something else as a standard not quite attained : relative <a comparative stranger>

3

: characterized by systematic comparison especially of likenesses and dissimilarities <comparative anatomy>

— com·par·a·tive·ly adverb

— com·par·a·tive·ness noun

Examples of COMPARATIVE

1. She did a comparative study of classical and modern art.
2. I'm taking a class in comparative anatomy.
3. a comparative analysis of the roles of women in different cultures
4. The comparative form of “happy” is “happier”; the comparative form of “good” is “better”; the comparative form of “clearly” is “more clearly.”

First Known Use of COMPARATIVE

15th century

Related to COMPARATIVE

Synonyms

almost, approximate, near, relative

Antonyms

absolute, complete, downright, out-and-out, outright, perfect, pure, unqualified

Related Words

alike, comparable, similar; equal, equivalent

Near Antonyms

genuine, real, true

²comparative

noun

Definition of COMPARATIVE

1

a : one that compares with another especially on equal footing : rival

b : one that makes witty or mocking comparisons

2

: the comparative degree or form in a language

Examples of COMPARATIVE

1. “Taller” is the comparative of “tall.”

First Known Use of COMPARATIVE

15th century

Rhymes with COMPARATIVE

preparative, reparative

com·par·a·tive

adjective \kəm-ˈpar-ət-iv\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of COMPARATIVE

: characterized by the systematic comparison of phenomena and especially of likenesses and dissimilarities <comparative anatomy> <the study of blood types by comparative analysis>