Meaning & Definition of word "Comparative"
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Comparative
/kəmˈpærətɪv/
noun:
- 1. A word that expresses a degree of comparison, typically formed by adding '-er' or using 'more'.
- Example: The word 'taller' is the comparative of 'tall'.
adjective:
- 1. Of or relating to comparison; involving the comparison of different things.
- Example: In a comparative study of two cities, we examined their economic growth rates.
- 2. Used to describe the degree to which something is greater or lesser compared to something else.
- Example: Her performance was comparative to that of the best students in the class.
- 3. Relating to a form of an adjective or adverb that expresses a higher degree in relation to others, typically formed by adding '-er' or using 'more'.
- Example: In English, the comparative form of 'big' is 'bigger'.
Etymology
Latin comparativus, from comparare 'to compare'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
comparative advantage:
The ability of a party to produce a good or service at a lower opportunity cost than another.
comparative negligence:
A legal doctrine that compares the negligence of parties involved in an event.
comparative analysis:
The comparison of different things to assess their similarities and differences.
Related Words
compare:
To examine the similarities and/or differences.
comparison:
The act of comparing two or more things.
comparative degree:
The form of an adjective or adverb that indicates a higher degree of a quality.