Compare Meaning and Definition
Compare
Pronunciation
/kəmˈpɛə/
Part of Speech
Verb
Definition
To examine and identify similarities and differences between two or more things, in order to understand or evaluate them.
Examples
- I compared the prices of different laptops before making a purchase.
- She compared the two job offers to decide which one to take.
Synonyms
- Contrast
- Match
Antonyms
- Ignore
- Disregard
Additional Information
Comparing things is an essential process in many aspects of life, such as decision-making, problem-solving, and learning. It helps individuals identify strengths and weaknesses, and make informed choices. In business, comparing products or services is crucial for marketing and sales strategies. In education, comparing ideas and theories is essential for critical thinking and analysis.
In everyday life, people compare prices, features, and benefits of various products or services to make informed purchasing decisions. They also compare themselves to others, either to measure their progress or to set goals.
Etymology
The word “compare” comes from the Latin “comparare”, meaning “to pair together”. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century.
Usage Notes
When comparing things, it’s essential to identify the criteria for comparison and to evaluate the similarities and differences based on those criteria. In academic writing, comparing and contrasting ideas is a common technique used to develop arguments and support claims.
Cultural References
The concept of comparison is prevalent in popular culture, where it’s often used to create humor or irony. For example, in the movie “The Princess Bride”, the character Inigo Montoya compares his sword-fighting skills to those of his opponents.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Compare apples and oranges (to compare two things that are fundamentally different)
- Compare notes (to share and discuss information or ideas)
Related Words or Phrases
- Contrast
- Match
- Equivalent
Collocations
- compare and contrast
- compare prices
- compare features
Frequency of Use
The word “compare” is a commonly used verb in modern language, with a frequency of use of around 0.05% in written English.