I. kəm-ˈper verb
( com·pared ; com·par·ing )
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French comparer, from Latin comparare to couple, compare, from compar like, from com- + par equal
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1. : to represent as similar : liken
shall I compare thee to a summer's day? — Shakespeare
2.
a. : to examine the character or qualities of especially in order to discover resemblances or differences
compare your responses with the answers
b. : to view in relation to
tall compared to me
easy compared with the last test
3. : to inflect or modify (an adjective or adverb) according to the degrees of comparison
intransitive verb
1. : to bear being compared
the two don't even begin to compare
2. : to make comparisons
3. : to be equal or alike
nothing compare s to you
Synonyms:
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
II. noun
Date: 1589
: the possibility of comparing
beauty beyond compare
also : something with which to be compared
a city without compare