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comparative

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comparative

Main Entry:: ¹com·par·a·tive
Pronunciation:: \-tiv\
Function:: adjective
Date:: 15th century

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

Learn more about "comparative" and related topics at Britannica.com

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