Comparative
[kəm'pærətɪv]
Definition
(noun.) the comparative form of an adjective or adverb; '`faster' is the comparative of the adjective `fast''; '`less famous' is the comparative degree of the adjective `famous''; '`more surely' is the comparative of the adverb `surely''.
(adj.) relating to or based on or involving comparison; 'comparative linguistics' .
Edited by Gertrude--From WordNet
Definition
(a.) Of or pertaining to comparison.
(a.) Proceeding from, or by the method of, comparison; as, the comparative sciences; the comparative anatomy.
(a.) Estimated by comparison; relative; not positive or absolute, as compared with another thing or state.
(a.) Expressing a degree greater or less than the positive degree of the quality denoted by an adjective or adverb. The comparative degree is formed from the positive by the use of -er, more, or less; as, brighter, more bright, or less bright.
(n.) The comparative degree of adjectives and adverbs; also, the form by which the comparative degree is expressed; as, stronger, wiser, weaker, more stormy, less windy, are all comparatives.
(n.) An equal; a rival; a compeer.
(n.) One who makes comparisons; one who affects wit.
Edited by Kathleen
Synonyms and Synonymous
a. [1]. Comparing, able to compare.[2]. Judged by comparison, not positive, not absolute.
Checked by Klaus
Synonyms and Antonyms
SYN:Relatively, proportionately
ANT:Absolutely, actually, positively, superlatively
Typed by Kevin
Examples
- Adverting to other advantages derived from railway locomotion, Mr. Stephenson noticed the comparative safety of that mode of travelling. Frederick C. Bakewell. Great Facts.
- Discipline prevailed: in five minutes the confused throng was resolved into order, and comparative silence quelled the Babel clamour of tongues. Charlotte Bronte. Jane Eyre.
- He was only restored to comparative calmness by repeated assurances of the certainty of discovering the fugitive. Charles Dickens. The Pickwick Papers.
- They were too near; having been just recognised by a comparative stranger, I felt uneasy at this close vicinage of intimate acquaintance. Charlotte Bronte. Villette.
- There has been considerable difference of opinion as regards the comparative efficiency of chain drive and belt drive. Various. The Wonder Book of Knowledge.
- After these events comparative quiet reigned about Petersburg until late in July. Ulysses S. Grant. Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant.
- By which phrase I mean _comparative_ innocence; for in His sight, I am well aware, _none_ are pure. Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
- There is no question of comparative value, and hence none of valuation. John Dewey. Democracy and Education.
- What we know of it is in support of what we have guessed about the comparative speechlessness of Pal?olithic man. H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
- It seemed I could hear all that was to come--whatever the disclosures might be--with comparative tranquillity. Charlotte Bronte. Jane Eyre.
- In 1802 he had started a course of calculations on the resistance of water, and the comparative advantages of the known means of propelling vessels. Rupert S. Holland. Historic Inventions.
- At length, during a moment of comparative silence, the little man called out in a very loud, solemn voice,-- 'Mr. Luffey! Charles Dickens. The Pickwick Papers.
- In its long record of failure, in the comparative success of Tammany, those who are aiming at social changes can see a profound lesson; the impulses, cravings and wants of men must be employed. Walter Lippmann. A Preface to Politics.
- I also was taught as you, but forty years of solitude—comparative solitude—and pondering have turned me into what I am—an agnostic. Fergus Hume. The Island of Fantasy.
- But a period of comparative rest took place in this line until 1850, when Prof. William Henry Doolittle. Inventions in the Century.
Typist: Mabel