COMPARATIVE

I. adjective Date: 15th century of, relating to, or constituting the degree of comparison in a language that denotes increase in the quality, quantity, or relation expressed by an adjective or adverb, considered as if in comparison to something else as a standard not quite attained ; relative , characterized by systematic comparison especially of likenesses and dissimilarities , ~ly adverb ~ness noun II. noun Date: 15th century 1. one that compares with another especially on equal footing ; rival , one that makes witty or mocking comparisons, the ~ degree or form in a language