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

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

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