Compare
/kəmˈpeər/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo note the similarities and differences between things.
/kəmˈpeər/
To examine (two or more objects, ideas, people, etc.) in order to discover their similarities or differences.
Let's compare these two pictures.
💡 Simply: Imagine putting two toys side-by-side to see what's the same and what's different. That's comparing!
👶 For kids: To see what is the same and what is different.
More Examples
Compare the sizes of these apples.
How It's Used
"The teacher asked the students to compare and contrast the two poems."
"I'm comparing prices before I buy a new laptop."
To be similar or equivalent to; to be comparable to.
/kəmˈpeər/
To be similar or equal to.
His paintings compare favorably to famous artists.
💡 Simply: To say that something is like something else; similar or almost the same.
👶 For kids: To be almost the same as.
More Examples
How does this city compare to your home town?
How It's Used
"Her new dress compares favorably to her old one."
Idioms & expressions
beyond compare
Unsurpassed; excellent.
"The view from the top of the mountain was beyond compare."
From Old French comparer, from Latin comparare, from com- 'together' + parare 'to prepare, make equal'.
The word 'compare' has been used in a similar fashion since the Middle English period, primarily focused on the act of assessing similarities and differences.
Memory tip
Think of 'com' (together) and 'pare' (to make equal) - comparing things to see how they measure up.