comparative

1 of 2

adjective

com·​par·​a·​tive kəm-ˈper-ə-tiv How to pronounce comparative (audio)
-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.

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Similar trends were observed at ultra-luxe jewelry group Richemont, owner of the Cartier brand, which last month posted a 17% jump in America sales in the three months to June 30, despite softer comparative sales in Asia Pacific. Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2025 The report lists the comparative cost of recycled polyester to virgin polyester as one of the barriers to wider adoption. Olivia Pinnock, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
Underlying operating profit was down 4.8 percent to 5.8 billion euros in the six months to June 30 due to strong comparatives with the corresponding period last year, the company said. Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 31 July 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for comparative

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of comparative was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Comparative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comparative. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

comparative

1 of 2 adjective
com·​par·​a·​tive kəm-ˈpar-ət-iv How to pronounce comparative (audio)
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 How to pronounce comparative (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce comparative (audio)
: characterized by systematic comparison
comparative contribution, which apportions according to…respective faultW. L. Prosser and W. P. Keeton
comparatively adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on comparative

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!