transitive verb compared -·pared′, comparing -·par′·ing

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

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

intransitive verb

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

noun