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 of comparative

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

The concern for Notre Dame is Miami inching up enough to be grouped with the Irish in the same comparative pool, which might require the Hurricanes to rise another one or two spots. —Pete Sampson, New York Times, 19 Nov. 2025

In this world, trade would be broadly balanced, with countries pursuing comparative advantages and exporting to pay for imports that maximized domestic welfare. —Michael Pettis, Foreign Affairs, 17 Nov. 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

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