comparative

1 of 2

adjective

com·​par·​a·​tive kəm-ˈper-ə-tiv 

-ˈpa-rə-

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

The comparative form of happy is happier.

The comparative form of clearly is more clearly.

2

: considered as if in comparison to something else as a standard not quite attained : relative

a comparative stranger

She's a comparative newcomer to the company.

3

: characterized by systematic comparison especially of likenesses and dissimilarities

comparative anatomy

a comparative analysis of the roles of women in different cultures

comparatively adverb

comparativeness noun

comparative

2 of 2

noun

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

The comparative of tall is taller.

Synonyms

Adjective

• relative

Examples of comparative in a Sentence

Adjective

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.”

Noun

“Taller” is the comparative of “tall.”

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Valparaiso University will launch its new major in religious studies, a program that encourages students to explore and engage with religion as a lived, cross-cultural and comparative discipline, according to a release. —Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 12 July 2025

Bahamonde, who had a master’s in comparative linguistics, had worked on several local shows, including the first show that Channel 23 produced in Miami. —Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 8 July 2025

Noun

This demonstrates the problem: prices are the result of a huge confluence of factors and easily get conflated into a fuzzy mess of comparatives. —Clem Chambers, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025

For the most part, the show is composed of zany humor bleeding into comic songs with witty internal rhymes (the songs of Tim Minchin are a helpful comparative). —Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

see compare entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for comparative

• declarative
• imperative
• preparative

Kids Definition

comparative

1 of 2 adjective

com·​par·​a·​tive kəm-ˈpar-ət-iv 

1

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

2

: measured by comparison : relative

a comparative stranger

3

: involving the study of things that are alike by comparing them

comparative anatomy

comparatively adverb

comparative

2 of 2 noun

: the comparative degree or a word form expressing it

"taller" is the comparative of "tall"

Medical Definition

comparative

adjective

com·​par·​a·​tive kəm-ˈpar-ət-iv 

: characterized by the systematic comparison of phenomena and especially of likenesses and dissimilarities

comparative anatomy

the study of blood types by comparative analysis

Legal Definition

comparative

adjective

com·​par·​a·​tive kəm-ˈpar-ə-tiv 

: characterized by systematic comparison

comparative contribution, which apportions according to…respective fault

—W. L. Prosser and W. P. Keeton

comparatively adverb