[com.par.a.tive] adj (15c) 1: 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
2: considered as if in comparison to something else as a standard not quite attained: relative "a ~ stranger"
3: characterized by systematic comparison esp. of likenesses and dissimilarities "~ anatomy" -- com.par.a.tive.ly adv -- com.par.a.tive.ness n
[2]comparative n (15c) 1 a: one that compares with another esp. on equal footing: rival b: one that makes witty or mocking comparisons
2: the comparative degree or form in a language