compare

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verb com·pare \kəm-ˈper\

Definition of compare

compared

;

comparing

transitive verb
1 : to represent as similar : liken Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? — William Shakespeare
2a : to examine the character or qualities of especially in order to discover resemblances or differences compare your responses with the answersb : to view in relation to He is tall compared to me. The test was easy compared with the last one.
3 : to inflect or modify (an adjective or adverb) according to the degrees of comparison : state the positive, comparative, and superlative forms of
intransitive verb
1 : to bear being compared The two don't even begin to compare. We bought two different brands of peanut butter to see how they compare.
2 : to make comparisons If we now go to Italy at all, we go not to learn, but to compare. — Norman Douglas
3 : to be equal or alike Nothing compares to you.

See compare defined for English-language learners

See compare defined for kids

Examples of compare in a Sentence

The singer's voice has been compared to that of Elvis.
We each did the homework assignment, then compared answers.
I compared several bicycles before buying one.

Origin and Etymology of compare

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

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First Known Use: 14th century

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Synonym Discussion of compare

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

compare

noun com·pare

Definition of compare

: the possibility of comparing beauty beyond compare; also : something with which to be compared a city without compare

See compare defined for English-language learners

Origin and Etymology of compare

see ¹compare

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First Known Use: 1589

See Words from the same year

COMPARE Defined for English Language Learners

compare

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verb

Definition of compare for English Language Learners

: to say that (something) is similar to something else
: to look at (two or more things) closely in order to see what is similar or different about them or in order to decide which one is better
: to be as good or as bad as something else : to be on the same level or in the same category as something else

COMPARE Defined for Kids

compare

play

verb com·pare \kəm-ˈper\

Definition of compare for Students

compared

;

comparing

1 : to point out as similar : liken She compared the activity of ants to the behavior of humans.
2 : to examine for similarity or differences Before buying compare the two bicycles.
3 : to appear in relation to others She compares well with the rest of the class.
4 : to state the positive, comparative, and superlative forms of an adjective or adverb