Compare Definition and Meaning
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 5, 2024
Compare means to examine the similarities and differences between two or more entities. e.g., To choose the best smartphone, you need to compare the features of different models.
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Compare Definitions
In computing, compare can refer to evaluating data sets to find matches or differences.
The software can compare thousands of documents for plagiarism.
In cooking, compare could involve tasting different recipes to judge flavor or texture.
Chefs compare dishes to perfect their recipes.
Compare means to assess the resemblances or contrasts between two or more items.
We compared the prices at different stores before making a purchase.
In literary analysis, to compare is to examine how texts or elements are alike or differ.
The assignment asks to compare themes in two novels.
In mathematics, compare is used to determine the relationship in terms of size, quantity, or value.
Children learn to compare numbers to understand greater and lesser values.
In education, teachers might compare students' work to assess progress or provide feedback.
The teacher compared essays to highlight areas for improvement.
In sports analytics, to compare is to evaluate the performance or statistics of players or teams.
Analysts compare players' stats to predict game outcomes.
In the context of shopping, to compare means to look at various products to choose the best one.
It's wise to compare product reviews before making a decision.
In music, compare can mean to analyze similarities and differences in genres, styles, or artists.
Critics compare new releases to classic albums to assess their impact.
In photography, to compare might mean analyzing images for quality, composition, or effect.
Photographers often compare their shots to improve their skills.
To consider or describe as similar, equal, or analogous; liken
Is it right to compare the human brain to a computer?.
To examine in order to note the similarities or differences of
We compared the two products for quality and cost. The article compares the recent recession with the one in the early 1990s.
(Grammar) To form the positive, comparative, or superlative degree of (an adjective or adverb).
To be worthy of comparison; bear comparison
Two concert halls that just do not compare.
To draw comparisons.
Comparison
A musician beyond compare.
(transitive) To assess the similarities and differences between two or more things ["to compare X with Y"]. Having made the comparison of X with Y, one might have found it similar to Y or different from Y.
Compare the tiger's coloration with that of the zebra.
You can't compare my problems and yours.
(transitive) To declare two things to be similar in some respect ["to compare X to Y"].
Astronomers have compared comets to dirty snowballs.
To form the three degrees of comparison of (an adjective).
We compare "good" as "good", "better", "best".
(intransitive) To be similar (often used in the negative).
A sapling and a fully-grown oak tree do not compare.
(obsolete) To get; to obtain.
(uncountable) Comparison.
An instruction or command that compares two values or states.
Illustration by comparison; simile.
To inflect according to the degrees of comparison; to state positive, comparative, and superlative forms of; as, most adjectives of one syllable are compared by affixing "- er" and "-est" to the positive form; as, black, blacker, blackest; those of more than one syllable are usually compared by prefixing "more" and "most", or "less" and "least", to the positive; as, beautiful, more beautiful, most beautiful.
To be like or equal; to admit, or be worthy of, comparison; as, his later work does not compare with his earlier.
I should compare with him in excellence.
To get; to procure; to obtain; to acquire
To fill his bags, and richesse to compare.
Comparison.
His mighty champion, strong beyond compare.
Their small galleys may not hold compareWith our tall ships.
Illustration by comparison; simile.
Rhymes full of protest, of oath, and big compare.
Qualities that are comparable;
No comparison between the two books
Beyond compare
Examine and note the similarities or differences of;
John compared his haircut to his friend's
We compared notes after we had both seen the movie
Be comparable;
This car does not compare with our line of Mercedes
Consider or describe as similar, equal, or analogous;
We can compare the Han dynasty to the Romans
You cannot equate success in financial matters with greed
To form the comparative or superlative form on an adjective or adverb
Compare Snonyms
Analyze
To examine methodically by separating into parts and studying their interrelations.
She analyzed the data to compare the two studies.
Evaluate
To judge or determine the significance, worth, or quality of something.
Evaluating these options requires comparing their benefits and drawbacks.
Correlate
To have a mutual relationship or connection, in which one thing affects or depends on another.
The study aims to correlate the variables and compare their effects.
Distinguish
To mark off as different; to recognize differences between.
It's important to distinguish between these two concepts.
Assess
To evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of.
The teachers assess students' progress by comparing test scores.
Contrast
To set in opposition in order to show or emphasize differences.
The article contrasts the two countries' economic strategies.
Weigh
To consider and compare the importance of different factors.
Weighing the pros and cons is essential before making a decision.
Collate
To collect, compare carefully in order to ascertain similarities or differences.
The researcher collated the data from various sources for comparison.
Benchmark
To measure (a product's quality or performance) against established standards as a point of reference.
The company benchmarks its products against those of its competitors.
Juxtapose
To place close together or side by side, especially for comparison or contrast.
The exhibit juxtaposes modern art with classical pieces.
Compare Idioms & Phrases
Compare apples to oranges
To compare two things that are fundamentally different and not comparable.
Comparing classical music to pop music is like comparing apples to oranges.
Compare notes
To exchange information or opinions about shared experiences.
After the meeting, the team members compared notes to ensure they were all on the same page.
Compare and contrast
To identify similarities and differences between two or more things.
The essay requires students to compare and contrast the two characters.
Compare heads
To bring people together to discuss and share ideas.
Let's compare heads and come up with a solution.
Stand up to compare
To withstand comparison with; to be as good as or equivalent to.
His performance tonight didn't stand up to compare with his previous concerts.
Beyond compare
Something that is incomparable or unmatched in quality or beauty.
The beauty of the natural landscape was beyond compare.
Nothing compares to
Used to emphasize that something is the best or most significant in a particular context.
When it comes to comfort, nothing compares to home.
Compare favorably with
To appear good or satisfactory when compared with someone or something else.
The new model compares favorably with the older version.
Compare favorably with/to
To be as good as or better than something else.
His latest work compares favorably with his previous novels.
Compare in the light of
To evaluate or judge something by considering a specific aspect or context.
Compare their achievements in the light of the challenges they faced.
Compare across the board
To compare all aspects or elements of something comprehensively.
We need to compare their proposals across the board before making a decision.
Compare to a fine art
To suggest that something is done with great skill and precision.
His negotiation skills can be compared to a fine art.
Compare in broad strokes
To compare the general or main features of something, without focusing on details.
In broad strokes, the two plans are quite similar, but the details reveal significant differences.
Make an unfavorable comparison
To judge something as inferior when compared to something else.
His current work makes an unfavorable comparison with his masterpiece.
Compare Example Sentences
The study compared the growth rates of plants under different light conditions.
Compare your answer with the solution provided to check for accuracy.
She compared the outcomes of different strategies to find the most effective one.
Compare the ingredients list to make sure it meets your dietary needs.
Compare the loan interest rates before applying for a mortgage.
He compared the fuel efficiency of various car models before buying one.
They compared their travel experiences to choose their next destination.
Compare the warranty terms when purchasing electronics.
Artists often compare their works to learn from each other.
Compare the color samples under natural light to see the true shade.
We compared the weather forecasts from different sources.
Students were asked to compare the political systems of two nations.
The app allows you to compare flight prices easily.
Compare the battery life of smartphones to find the best one for your needs.
The report compared the economic growth of several countries.
Common Curiosities
How do we divide compare into syllables?
Compare is divided into syllables as com-pare.
Why is it called compare?
It's called compare because it derives from the Latin word "comparare," which means to pair together, match, or make equal, emphasizing the act of examining similarities and differences.
How many syllables are in compare?
There are two syllables in "compare."
What is the root word of compare?
The root word of "compare" is the Latin "comparare."
What is a stressed syllable in compare?
The stressed syllable in "compare" is "pare."
How is compare used in a sentence?
To make an informed decision, we must compare the advantages and disadvantages.
What is the pronunciation of compare?
Compare is pronounced as /kəmˈpɛər/.
What is another term for compare?
Another term for "compare" is "contrast."
What is the first form of compare?
The first form is "compare."
What is the opposite of compare?
The opposite of "compare" could be "disregard differences" or "ignore."
Is compare a noun or adjective?
"Compare" is primarily used as a verb, but it can also be a noun in specific contexts, such as in "beyond compare."
Is compare an abstract noun?
When used as a noun, "compare" can be considered abstract as it refers to the concept or act of comparing rather than a tangible object.
What is the verb form of compare?
The verb form is "compare," as in "to compare two or more things."
Is compare a vowel or consonant?
The word "compare" starts with a consonant.
What is the singular form of compare?
"Compare" is both the singular and base form of the verb.
Which determiner is used with compare?
Determiners like "this," "that," "these," "those," or possessive determiners can be used with "compare" depending on the context.
Which vowel is used before compare?
Vowels such as "a" or "the" can precede "compare" depending on the sentence, e.g., "a compare feature."
What is the second form of compare?
The second form is "compared."
What is the third form of compare?
The third form is "compared."
Which article is used with compare?
The articles "a" or "the" can be used with "compare" when it is used as a noun, although this is less common.
What is the plural form of compare?
As a verb, "compare" does not have a plural form. As a noun, it would remain "compares" in contexts where it might be used as a countable noun, though this is rare.
Is compare an adverb?
No, "compare" is not an adverb.
Is compare a negative or positive word?
"Compare" is neutral; it is neither inherently negative nor positive.
Is the word compare imperative?
"Compare" can be used in the imperative mood as a command, e.g., "Compare these two items."
Is the word “compare” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
"Compare" can take both direct objects (what is being compared) and indirect objects (to what it is being compared), depending on the sentence structure.
What part of speech is compare?
"Compare" is a verb.
Is compare a countable noun?
When used as a noun, "compare" is typically uncountable; however, it can be countable in rare contexts, such as in discussing instances of comparison.
Is compare a collective noun?
No, "compare" is not a collective noun.
Is the compare term a metaphor?
"Compare" can be used metaphorically to describe the act of evaluating or judging by analogy.
Is the word compare a Gerund?
The gerund form of "compare" is "comparing."
Which preposition is used with compare?
Prepositions such as "to" or "with" are commonly used with "compare," depending on what is being compared.
Which conjunction is used with compare?
Conjunctions such as "and," "but," or "or" can be used with "compare."
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
