adj. & n.
--adj.
1. perceptible by comparison; relative (in comparative comfort).
2 estimated by comparison (the comparative merits of the two ideas).
3 of or involving comparison (esp. of sciences etc.).
4 Gram. (of an adjective or adverb) expressing a higher degree of a quality, but not the highest possible (e.g. braver, more fiercely) (cf. POSITIVE, SUPERLATIVE).
--n. Gram.
1. the comparative expression or form of an adjective or adverb.
2 a word in the comparative.
Derivatives:
comparatively adv.
Etymology: ME f. L comparativus (as COMPARE)