comparative Meaning & Definition
What Does Comparative Mean?
Comparative is used as an adjective meaning Of or relating to comparison. It can also mean Using comparison as a method of study, or founded on something using it. As a noun, it means The degree of comparison of an adjective or adverb used when comparing two entities in terms of a certain property or a certain way of doing something. In English, the comparative of superiority is formed by adding the suffix -er or the word more (e.g. bigger, more fully); the comparative of equality, by adding the word as (e.g. as big, as fully); the comparative of inferiority, by adding the word less (e.g. less big, less fully). As a noun, it means (grammar) A construction showing a relative quality, in English usually formed by adding more or appending -er. For example, the comparative of green is greener; of evil, more evil.
Quick Facts About Comparative
| Part of speech | adjective, noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //kəmˈpæɹətɪv// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | relative and comparative degree |
| Plural | comparatives |
| Comparative / superlative | more comparative, most comparative |
Comparative Definition (Adjective)
- Of or relating to comparison.
He gave us a comparative example to illustrate how the human mind works.
- Using comparison as a method of study, or founded on something using it.
A comparative study between Homo Sapiens and Homo neanderthalensis.
- Approximated by comparison; relative.
I've passed the test with comparative ease.
- Comparable; bearing comparison.
Comparative as a Noun
- The degree of comparison of an adjective or adverb used when comparing two entities in terms of a certain property or a certain way of doing something. In English, the comparative of superiority is formed by adding the suffix -er or the word more (e.g. bigger, more fully); the comparative of equality, by adding the word as (e.g. as big, as fully); the comparative of inferiority, by adding the word less (e.g. less big, less fully).
- An adjective or adverb in the comparative degree.
- Data used to make a comparison.
- An equal; a rival; a compeer.
- One who makes comparisons; one who affects wit.
Noun
- (grammar) A construction showing a relative quality, in English usually formed by adding more or appending -er. For example, the comparative of green is greener; of evil, more evil.
- (grammar) A word in the comparative form.
- (chiefly in the plural) Data used to make a comparison.
Synonyms of Comparative
Comparative synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Comparative
No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.
Comparative in a Sentence
He gave us a comparative example to illustrate how the human mind works.
A comparative study between Homo Sapiens and Homo neanderthalensis.
comparative anatomy
I've passed the test with comparative ease.
Word Forms & Grammar
comparative (comparative more comparative, superlative most comparative)
comparative (plural comparatives)
Words That Rhyme With Comparative
Origin of Comparative
From Middle English comparatif, from Middle French comparatif, from Latin comparātīvus, equivalent to comparātus, from comparāre (“to compare”) + -ive, from Latin -īvus.
How to Pronounce Comparative
Comparative is pronounced //kəmˈpæɹətɪv// and has 1 syllable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Comparative
Is comparative an adjective or a noun?
Comparative is mainly used as an adjective, but it can also be used as a noun.
What is another word for comparative?
You can replace comparative with words such as relative and comparative degree. See the full list of comparative synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of comparative?
The plural of comparative is comparatives.
What are the comparative and superlative forms of comparative?
The comparative form is more comparative and the superlative form is most comparative.