compare

Meaning

Verb

1. (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.
2. (transitive) To declare two things to be similar in some respect ["to compare X to Y"].
3. (transitive) To form the three degrees of comparison of (an adjective).
4. (intransitive) To be similar (often used in the negative).
5. (obsolete) To get; to obtain.

Noun

1. (uncountable) Comparison.
2. (countable) An instruction or command that compares two values or states.
3. (obsolete, uncountable) Illustration by comparison; simile.

Synonyms

liken

contrast

collate

check

parallel

comparison

copy

measure

equate

match

imitate

make a comparison

illustrate

cf.

confront

verify

check with

approximate

juxtapose

approach

weigh

analogize

correlate

correspond

comparability

give an example

equal

equivalence

compete

reference

examine

resemble

put together

ratio

recognize

refer to

relate

set off

specific

stack

stack up

trade

unite

versus

be equal to

be opposite

compare to

join together

pitch and toss

place side by side

Translations

comparer

vergleichen

comparar

comparare

confrontare

paragonare

vergelijken

comparar

συγκρίνω

cotejar

karşılaştırmak

comparar

steigern

Pronounced as (IPA)

/kəmˈpɛɚ/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: comparen

In summary

From Middle English comparen, from Old French comparer, from Latin comparare (“to prepare, procure”), from compar (“like or equal to another”), from com- + par (“equal”). Displaced native Old English metan (“to compare,” also “to measure”).