Comparative

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /kÉ™mˈpæ.ɹə.tɪv/

Origin

From Middle French comparatif, from Latin comparativus, equivalent to comparatus, from comparare ("to compare") + -ive, from Latin -ivus.

Full definition of comparative

Adjective

1. Of or relating to comparison.
• GranvillThe comparative faculty.
2. Using comparison as a method of study, or founded on something using it.comparative anatomy
3. Approximated by comparison; relative.
• WhewellThe recurrence of comparative warmth and cold.
• BentleyThe bubble, by reason of its comparative levity to the fluid that encloses it, would necessarily ascend to the top.
4. (obsolete) Comparable; bearing comparison.
• 1819, Lord Byron, Don Juan, II.137:And need he had of slumber yet, for none
  Had suffered more—his hardships were comparative
  To those related in my grand-dad's Narrative.

Derived terms

• comparatively
• comparative method
• comparativeness
• comparativism
• comparativist
• comparativistic

Noun

1. (grammar) A construction showing a relative quality, in English usually formed by adding more or appending -er. For example, the comparative of green is greener; of evil, more evil.
2. (grammar) A word in the comparative form.
3. (obsolete) An equal; a rival; a compeer.
• Beaumont and FletcherGerard ever was
  His full comparative.
4. (obsolete) One who makes comparisons; one who affects wit.
• , Henry IV, Pt. 1 (1597), .67:Every beardless vain comparative.

Related terms

• absolute, absolute superlative, relative superlative, comparative superlative
• degrees of comparison
• superlative