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comparison definition

com·pari·son (kəm par′ə sən)

noun

  1. a comparing or being compared; estimation of similarities and differences
  2. sufficient likeness to make meaningful comparison possible; possibility of comparison; similarity there is no comparison between the two singers
  3. Gram. the modification of an adjective or adverb in its positive degree to show the comparative and superlative degrees (Ex.: long, longer, longest; good, better, best; slowly, more slowly, most slowly)

Etymology: ME < OFr comparaison < L comparatio < pp. of compare

comparison Idioms

in comparison with

compared with

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

comparison Synonyms

comparison

n.

  1. The act of comparing

    likening, collating, analyzing, relative estimation, comparative relation, testing by a criterion, distinguishing between, analogizing, corresponding, paralleling, drawing parallels, contrasting, balancing, relating, collation, dividing, opposition, separation, segregation, bringing together, identification, matching, equating, measuring, weighing, juxtaposing, observation, correlation, discrimination, estimate of likeness and difference; see also association 2, estimate 1, judgment 2.

  2. A prepared comparison, sense 1

    metaphor, simile, resemblance, analogy, correspondence, relation, collation, correlation, parable, allegory, similarity, likeness, likening, identification, equation, measurement, illustration, example, contrast, association, ratio, parallel, connection, comparative estimate, comparative statement; see also similarity, simile.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

comparison Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • randomize: A randomized comparison was undertake of 221 patients undergoing gastric cancer surgery.

Preposition: with

  • placebo: This was the design used for NSAID comparisons with placebo, with the outcome of at least moderate pain relief over the cycle.

Adjective modifier

  • meaningful: In addition, finding relevant benchmarking measures that make meaningful comparisons between providers or suppliers can be hard to achieve.

Modifies a noun

  • shopping: A little comparison shopping can help you find a happy medium.

Noun used with modifier

  • side-by-side: Also allows for side-by-side comparison of colleges of your choosing.
comparison usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

comparison quotes

'Cricket,'said Raffles,'like everything else, is a good enough sport until you discover a better. As a source of excitement it isn't in it with other things you wot of Bunny, and theinvoluntarycomparison becomes a bore. What's the satisfaction of taking a man's wicket when you want his spoons?' 414

-Hornung, E(rnest) W(illiam)

To charge all unmerited praise with the guilt of flattery, and to suppose that the encomiast always knows and feels the falsehood of his assertions, issurely to discover great ignorance of human nature and human life. In determinations depending not on rules, but on experience and comparison, judgement is always to some degree subject to affection.Very near to admiration is the wish to admire.

-Johnson, Samuel known as Dr Johnson

There is no manner of doubt that a town surrounded by water is a very fine sight; but a town surrounded by land is much finer.Can there be any comparison in point of beauty, between the dull monotony of a watery surface, and the delightful variety of gardens, meadows, hills and woods ?

-Moore,John

comparison quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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MLA Style

"comparison." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 4 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/comparison>

APA Style

comparison. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 4th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/comparison

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