comparative
1com·par·a·tive
adj \-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
- She did a comparative study of classical and modern art.
- I'm taking a class in comparative anatomy.
- a comparative analysis of the roles of women in different cultures
- 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
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