Definition of comparative
(Entry 1 of 2)
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
comparative
nounDefinition of comparative (Entry 2 of 2)
b
: one that makes witty or mocking comparisons
2
: the comparative degree or form in a language
The comparative of tall is taller.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share comparative
Time Traveler for comparative
The first known use of comparative was in the 15th century
See more words from the same century