Main Entry: ¹com·pare

Pronunciation: \kəm-ˈper\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): com·pared; com·par·ing

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French comparer, from Latin comparare to couple, compare, from compar like, from com- + par equal

Date: 14th century

transitive verb 1 : to represent as similar : liken <shall I compare thee to a summer's day? — Shakespeare>
2 a : to examine the character or qualities of especially in order to discover resemblances or differences <compare your responses with the answers> b : to view in relation to <tall compared to me> <easy compared with the last test>
3 : to inflect or modify (an adjective or adverb) according to the degrees of comparisonintransitive verb 1 : to bear being compared <the two don't even begin to compare>
2 : to make comparisons
3 : to be equal or alike <nothing compares to you>

synonyms compare, contrast, collate mean to set side by side in order to show differences and likenesses. compare implies an aim of showing relative values or excellences by bringing out characteristic qualities whether similar or divergent <compared the convention facilities of the two cities>. contrast implies an emphasis on differences <contrasted the computerized system with the old filing cards>. collate implies minute and critical inspection in order to note points of agreement or divergence <data from districts around the country will be collated>.