compare

compare
[[t]kəmpe͟ə(r)[/t]]
♦♦♦
compares, comparing, compared
1) VERB When you compare things, you consider them and discover the differences or similarities between them.
to compare notessee note

[V pl-n] Compare the two illustrations in Fig 60...

[V n with n] Was it fair to compare independent schools with state schools?...

[V n to n] Note how smooth the skin of the upper arm is, then compare it to the skin on the elbow.

2) VERB If you compare one person or thing to another, you say that they are like the other person or thing.

[V n to/with n/-ing] Some commentators compared his work to that of James Joyce...

[V n to/with n/-ing] I can only compare the experience to falling in love.

Syn:
3) V-RECIP If one thing compares favourably with another, it is better than the other thing. If it compares unfavourably, it is worse than the other thing.

[V adv with n] Our road safety record compares favourably with that of other European countries...

[pl-n V adv] How do the two techniques compare in terms of application?

4) VERB: usu with neg If you say that something does not compare with something else, you mean that it is much worse.

[V with n] The flowers here do not compare with those at home...

[V with n] The more recent conifer plantations cannot yet compare with the old woodlands.

5) PHRASE: n/adj PHR, v-link PHR (emphasis) If you describe something as beyond compare, you mean that it is extremely good or extremely great. [LITERARY]

She was a storyteller beyond compare.

...riches beyond compare.

6) See also compared

English dictionary. 2008.

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Synonyms:

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  • Compare++ — is a useful auxiliary tool for programmers and Web developers. The tool can compare text files and folders quickly. It is useful to detect differences of codes and match.[1] In the review of Softsea in the June 2, 2010, Compare++ was awarded 5… …   Wikipedia

  • compare to — compare with, compare to 1. In general usage, these two constructions tend to be used interchangeably; AmE generally prefers to when there is a choice, whereas in BrE the choice is more evenly divided. A broad distinction in principle should be… …   Modern English usage

  • Compare — Com*pare , v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Compared}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Comparing}.] [L.comparare, fr. compar like or equal to another; com + par equal: cf. F. comparer. See {Pair}, {Peer} an equal, and cf. {Compeer}.] 1. To examine the character or… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • compare — [kəm per′] vt. compared, comparing [ME comparen < OFr comparer < L comparare < com , with + parare, to make equal < par: see PAR1] 1. to regard as similar; liken (to) [to compare life to a river] 2. to examine in order to observe or… …   English World dictionary

  • compare — ► VERB 1) (often compare to/with) estimate, measure, or note the similarity or dissimilarity between. 2) (compare to) point out or describe the resemblances of (something) with. 3) (usu. compare with) be similar to or have a specified… …   English terms dictionary

  • Compare — Com*pare , n. 1. Comparison. [Archaic] [1913 Webster] His mighty champion, strong beyond compare. Milton. [1913 Webster] Their small galleys may not hold compare With our tall ships. Waller. [1913 Webster] 2. Illustration by comparison; simile.… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • compare to —  , compare with  These two can be usefully distinguished.  Compare to should be used to liken things, compare with to consider their similarities or differences. He compared London to New York means that he felt London to be similar to New York.… …   Bryson’s dictionary for writers and editors

  • Compare — Com*pare , v. i. 1. To be like or equal; to admit, or be worthy of, comparison; as, his later work does not compare with his earlier. [1913 Webster] I should compare with him in excellence. Shak. [1913 Webster] 2. To vie; to assume a likeness or… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • compare — late 14c., from O.Fr. comparer (12c., Mod.Fr. comparer), from L.L. comparare to liken, to compare (see COMPARISON (Cf. comparison)). To compare notes is from 1708. Related: Compared; comparing. Phrase without compare (attested from 1620s, but… …   Etymology dictionary

  • compare — compare, contrast, collate mean to set two or more things side by side in order to show likenesses and differences. Compare implies as an aim the showing of relative values or excellences or a bringing out of characteristic qualities, whether… …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • comparé — comparé, ée [ kɔ̃pare ] adj. • de comparer ♦ Qui étudie les rapports entre plusieurs objets d étude. Anatomie comparée (des espèces différentes). Grammaire comparée, étudiant les rapports entre langues. Littérature comparée, étudiant les… …   Encyclopédie Universelle

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