Compare

/kəmˈpɛr/

Meaning & Definition

verb

to examine the similarities and/or differences of two or more items.

She decided to compare the prices of the products before making a purchase.

to liken or equate one thing to another.

He compared the situation to a rollercoaster ride, full of ups and downs.

to measure or estimate the similarity or dissimilarity between two or more items.

The researchers aimed to compare the effectiveness of two different medications.

to state that one thing is better or worse than another.

It's not fair to compare her achievements to his; they had very different circumstances.

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

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.

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.

To throw in the ring

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

Match up

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