Comparison

/kəmˈpɛr.ɪ.sən/

Meaning & Definition

noun
the act of evaluating two or more things in relation to one another.
The comparison of the two products revealed significant differences in quality.
a statement or estimate of the similarity or dissimilarity between two things.
In her essay, she made a comparison between modern art and classical art.
the degree to which two or more things are similar or different.
He drew a comparison between his childhood experiences and those of his peers.

Etymology

From Latin 'comparatio', from 'comparare' meaning to compare.

Common Phrases and Expressions

apples to oranges
A phrase used to describe a comparison between two things that are fundamentally different.
comparison is the thief of joy
This phrase suggests that comparing oneself to others can diminish one's happiness.
make a comparison
To evaluate the similarities or differences between two or more items.

Related Words

compare
To examine the similarities and/or differences.
comparable
Able to be compared; similar enough to allow for comparison.
comparative
Relating to the comparison of two or more things.

Slang Meanings

side-by-side
We did a side-by-side to see which car had better fuel efficiency.
head-to-head
The head-to-head comparison of the two brands revealed clear advantages for one.