Meaning & Definition of word "Compare"

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    Compare

    /kəmˈpɛr/

    verb:

    • 1. to examine the similarities and/or differences of two or more items.
      • Example: She decided to compare the prices of the products before making a purchase.
    • 2. to liken or equate one thing to another.
      • Example: He compared the situation to a rollercoaster ride, full of ups and downs.
    • 3. to measure or estimate the similarity or dissimilarity between two or more items.
      • Example: The researchers aimed to compare the effectiveness of two different medications.
    • 4. to state that one thing is better or worse than another.
      • Example: It's not fair to compare her achievements to his; they had very different circumstances.

    Etymology

    From Latin 'comparare', meaning 'to liken, to arrange together'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    compare notes:

    To discuss or exchange ideas and opinions with someone.

    compare apples and oranges:

    To highlight the impossibility of comparing two dissimilar items.

    compare with:

    To assess the similarities and differences with something else.

    Related Words

    comparison:

    The act of comparing two or more items.

    comparable:

    Able to be likened to another; similar.

    comparative:

    Relating to the assessment of similarities or differences.

    Slang Meanings of compare

    Meaning: To throw in the ring

    Example Sentence: Let’s compare these two ideas and throw in the ring for the project.

    Meaning: Match up

    Example Sentence: Let’s match up our experiences and see how we compare.