¹comparative

adjective com·par·a·tive \-tiv\

: seeming to be something when compared with others

: involving the act of looking at the ways that things are alike or different

grammar : of or relating to the form of an adjective or adverb that is used to indicate more of a particular quality

Full Definition of COMPARATIVE

: of, relating to, or constituting the degree of comparison in a language that denotes increase in the quality, quantity, or relation expressed by an adjective or adverb

: considered as if in comparison to something else as a standard not quite attained : relative <a comparative stranger>

: characterized by systematic comparison especially of likenesses and dissimilarities <comparative anatomy>

— com·par·a·tive·ly adverb

— com·par·a·tive·ness noun

See comparative defined for English-language learners

See comparative defined for kids

First Known Use of COMPARATIVE

15th century

Related to COMPARATIVE

Synonyms: almost, approximate, near, relative

Antonyms: absolute, complete, downright, out-and-out, outright, perfect, pure, unqualified

²comparative

noun

: the comparative form of an adjective or adverb : the form of an adjective or adverb that is used to indicate more of a particular quality

Full Definition of COMPARATIVE

a : one that compares with another especially on equal footing : rival

b : one that makes witty or mocking comparisons

: the comparative degree or form in a language

See comparative defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of COMPARATIVE

15th century

Rhymes with COMPARATIVE

preparative, reparative

COMPARATIVE Defined for Kids

¹comparative

adjective com·par·a·tive \kəm-ˈper-ə-tiv\

Definition of COMPARATIVE for Kids

: not entirely but more so than others : relative <We live in comparative freedom.>

: of or relating to the form of an adjective or adverb that shows an increase in the quality that the adjective or adverb expresses <“Taller” is the comparative form of “tall.”>

— com·par·a·tive·ly adverb <It was a comparatively easy hike.>

²comparative

noun

Definition of COMPARATIVE for Kids

: the degree or form in a language that indicates an increase in the quality expressed by an adjective or adverb <“Taller” is the comparative of “tall.”>

Medical Dictionary

comparative

adjective com·par·a·tive \kəm-ˈpar-ət-iv\

Medical Definition of COMPARATIVE

: characterized by the systematic comparison of phenomena and especially of likenesses and dissimilarities <comparative anatomy> <the study of blood types by comparative analysis>