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compare

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The definition of compare means to find the similarities or differences between two or more people or things.

(verb)

An example of compare is noticing how much two sisters look alike.

See compare in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb compared, comparing

to regard as similar; liken (to): to compare life to a river
to examine in order to observe or discover similarities or differences: often followed by with: compare their voting records
Gram. to form the comparative and superlative degrees of (an adjective or adverb)

Origin: ME comparen < OFr comparer < L comparare < com-, with + parare, to make equal < par: see par

intransitive verb

1. to be worthy of comparison (with)
2. to be regarded as similar or equal
to make comparisons
to stand in comparison; measure up: how does my car compare with his?

noun

Old Poet. comparison

See compare in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb com·pared, com·par·ing, com·pares

verb, transitive

To consider or describe as similar, equal, or analogous; liken.
To examine in order to note the similarities or differences of.
Grammar To form the positive, comparative, or superlative degree of (an adjective or adverb).

verb, intransitive

To be worthy of comparison; bear comparison: two concert halls that just do not compare.
To draw comparisons.

noun

Comparison: a musician beyond compare.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English comparen

Origin: , from Old French comparer

Origin: , from Latin comparāre

Origin: , from compār, equal

Origin: : com-, com-

Origin: + pār, equal; see perə-² in Indo-European roots

Related Forms:

com·parˈer noun

Usage Note: Compare usually takes the preposition to when it refers to the activity of describing the resemblances between unlike things: He compared her to a summer day. Scientists sometimes compare the human brain to a computer. It takes with when it refers to the act of examining two like things in order to discern their similarities or differences: The police compared the forged signature with the original. The committee will have to compare the Senate's version of the bill with the version that was passed by the House. When compare is used to mean “to liken (one) with another,” with is traditionally held to be the correct preposition: That little bauble is not to be compared with (not to) this enormous jewel. But to is frequently used in this context and is not incorrect.

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