Comparative

/kəmˈpærətɪv/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A word that expresses a degree of comparison, typically formed by adding '-er' or using 'more'.

The word 'taller' is the comparative of 'tall'.

adjective

Of or relating to comparison; involving the comparison of different things.

In a comparative study of two cities, we examined their economic growth rates.

Used to describe the degree to which something is greater or lesser compared to something else.

Her performance was comparative to that of the best students in the class.

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'.

In English, the comparative form of 'big' is 'bigger'.

Latin comparativus, from comparare 'to compare'.

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.

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.