I. kəmˈparəd.iv, -rətiv also -per- adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin comparativus, from comparatus (past participle of comparare to compare) + -ivus -ive
1. : belonging to or constituting the degree of comparison that is usually expressed in English by placing more before an adjective (as more natural ) or adverb (as more clearly ) or by suffixing -er to it ( newer, sooner ) and that typically denotes increase in the quality, quantity, or relation expressed by the adjective or adverb
the comparative degree
the irregular comparative forms elder and better
— compare comparison 3; positive , superlative
2. obsolete : adept at making comparisons especially of a scoffing or mocking nature
3.
a. : considered as if with something or someone else held up to reveal contrast or likeness : seen as if in the light of something or someone implied or suggested : relative
a comparative stranger
in 1796 when comparative peace came to the frontier — American Guide Series: Pennsylvania
b. : approximating but not quite achieving (as a desired quality or state) : near , approximate
comparative comfort
a position of mere comparative security
4.
a. : making use of or capable of making use of a method whereby likenesses or dissimilarities are determined by simultaneous examination of two or more items
the comparative viewpoint
the study of blood types by comparative analysis
specifically : characterized by the comparison of things that have developed divergently from a common origin
comparative linguistics
or of things that have developed convergently from different origins or of both
comparative anatomy
— compare descriptive
b. : viewed or examined for the purpose of ascertaining or revealing likeness or dissimilarity
the comparative morality of the sexes — Haldane Macfall
5. obsolete : comparable
• com·par·a·tive·ly -tə̇vlē, -li adverb
• com·par·a·tive·ness -tivnə̇s noun -es
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from comparative adjective
1. : one that compares with another especially on equal footing : rival ; specifically : one that makes witty or mocking comparisons
2.
a. : the comparative degree in a language
b. : a comparative form of an adjective or adverb