compare
Formscompares, comparing, compared
Formscompares, comparing, compared
- 1To look at two or more things to see how they are alike and different.
Like holding two shirts side by side to see which one you like more.
Let's compare the two phones before we buy one.
She compared the prices at three different stores.
UsageSay compare A with B, or compare A and B. To is also common.
Note
- 2To say that one thing is like another in some way.
Like saying someone runs as fast as a cheetah.
People often compare life to a journey.
He compared her smile to sunshine.
UsageUse to: compare life to a journey. People are compared to others, too.
Similarliken
Note
- 3To be as good as or similar to something else.
Like saying nothing tastes as good as fresh homemade bread.
No other beach can compare with this one.
Cheap copies just don't compare.
UsageMostly with not: it doesn't compare with the original, or nothing can compare.
Similarcompete, rival, match, equal
Note
Less common meanings
- 4Comparing one thing with another. Beyond compare and without compare mean that nothing else is as good.
Her kindness is beyond compare.
As a cook, my grandmother was without compare.
UsageSay beyond compare with no "a" or "the". Otherwise, say comparison.
Similarcomparison
Note
- 5To make the three forms of an adjective, like good, better, and best.
Like turning 'fast' into 'faster' and then 'fastest.'
To compare 'tall,' add -er and -est: tall, taller, tallest.
How do you compare 'bad'? You say bad, worse, worst.
Note
- 6A way of explaining something by likening it to another thing, much like a simile.
Rhymes full of protest, of oath, and big compare.
c. 1602, William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Troylus and Cressida”Here, compare means a comparison, like a simile.Note
- 7To get or obtain something.
To fill his bags, and richesse to compare.
1590, Edmund Spenser, The Faerie QueeneHere, compare means to get or gather.Note
- 8A computer instruction that tests two values or states, such as checking whether one number is greater than another.
Showing meanings only.
Practice
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Origin
This word came through Old French from Latin. The Latin word came from 'compar', meaning 'equal to another', built from 'com-' plus 'par' meaning 'equal'.
Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 4 facts
- Compare came through Old French from Latin. en.wiktionary.org
- The Latin verb derives from compar, meaning 'equal to another'. en.wiktionary.org
- Compar combines com- and par. en.wiktionary.org
- Latin par means 'equal'. en.wiktionary.org