[com.pare] vb com.pared ; com.par.ing [ME, fr. MF comparer, fr. L comparare to couple, compare, fr. compar like, fr. com- + par equal] vt (14c) 1: to represent as similar: liken "shall I ~ thee to a summer's day? --Shak."
2. a: to examine the character or qualities of esp. in order to discover resemblances or differences "~ your responses with the answers" b: to view in relation to "tall compared to me"
3: to inflect or modify (an adjective or adverb) according to the degrees of comparison ~ vi 1: to bear being compared
2: to make comparisons
3: to be equal or alike "nothing ~s to you" syn 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".
[2]compare n (1589): the possibility of comparing "beauty beyond ~"; also: something with which to be compared "a city without ~"