I. -tiv adjective
Date: 15th century
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 comparative stranger
3. : characterized by systematic comparison especially of likenesses and dissimilarities
comparative anatomy
• com·par·a·tive·ly adverb
• com·par·a·tive·ness noun
II. noun
Date: 15th century
1.
a. : one that compares with another especially on equal footing : rival
b. : one that makes witty or mocking comparisons
2. : the comparative degree or form in a language