adjective / noun

comparative

kuhm-PAIR-uh-tiv/kəmˈperətɪv/

Showing how one thing stands relative to another.

The gardener makes a comparative assessment of the two seedlings.

Comparative: a Black female gardener carefully comparing two potted seedlings side by side, same pots but visibly different heights, looking between them.

Etymology

comLatinwith, together

+parLatinequal

+ativeLatinpertaining to

“Together” and “equal” lead through “liken” to comparison. The adjective first described grammatical forms such as “greater,” which express one thing in relation to another, and broadened to other kinds of comparison.

In context

The Scottish Parliament3:05

The value of a comparative approach is in seeing that others do things differently.

Education, Children and Young People Committee - 10 November 2021

More examples

The chart shows comparative costs for three heating systems.
After the crowded bus, the train offers comparative comfort.
“Better” is the comparative of “good.”

Forms

comparative · comparatives

compare verb — Examine things to identify similarities and differences.

comparatively adverb — In relation to something else.

Similar words

relative: Emphasizes dependence on a reference point rather than active comparison.