Comparable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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comparable
[kəmˈpærəbl ]
Definitions
in terms of quality or size
Similar in quality or size to something else; able to be compared.
Synonyms
analogous, equivalent, like, parallel, similar.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| comparable |
Used when discussing things that can be compared on similar grounds, often in terms of quality, size or characteristics.
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| similar |
General use to show that two things share some common features but aren’t necessarily identical.
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| equivalent |
Used when specifying that two things are essentially equal or have the same value or effect.
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| analogous |
Scientific or technical contexts, indicating that two things have similar features or functions but not identical qualities.
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| like |
Everyday conversation to indicate that two things share similar characteristics.
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| parallel |
Situations where two processes or situations run in a similar manner without intersecting. Often used metaphorically or in more formal contexts.
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Examples of usage
- It's a good hotel, but the service is not comparable to the one we stayed at last time.
- Their prices are comparable to those of other stores in the area.
in terms of value or importance
Worthy of comparison; having a similar degree of value or importance.
Synonyms
equal to, equivalent to, on a par with, worthy, worthy of comparison.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| comparable |
Use this word when you are discussing two things that can be logically compared due to their similarities.
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| worthy |
This word is used when describing someone or something that deserves respect, attention, or admiration.
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| worthy of comparison |
Use this phrase when implying that something is so good or significant that it deserves to be compared to something else.
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| on a par with |
This phrase is best used in situations where you want to say that something is at the same level or standard as something else.
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| equal to |
This phrase is suitable for situations where you want to state that two things have the same value, importance, or amount.
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| equivalent to |
Use this phrase when you want to express that one thing is essentially the same as another in value, amount, function, etc.
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Examples of usage
- Her achievements are not comparable to anyone else in the industry.
- The company's success is comparable to that of larger corporations.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Mathematics
- In math, two quantities can be deemed comparable if they can be analyzed in relation to one another.
- When comparing numbers, the concept of 'greater than', 'less than', or 'equal to' helps in understanding relationships.
- Statistics often employs comparability to assess the performance of different groups or variables.
Philosophy
- Philosophers have long debated the nature of comparability in terms of qualities and values.
- In ethics, one might compare moral values between cultures to understand varied perspectives on right and wrong.
- Discussion around the comparability of subjective experiences has been a focal point in modern philosophical discourse.
Business
- In business, companies often look for comparable companies to assess market position and financial health.
- Financial analysts use comparable company analysis (CCA) to evaluate the value of firms in the same industry.
- Comparable metrics can help in predicting growth trends among competing businesses.
Language and Communication
- The ability to express ideas through comparison enhances clarity and understanding in communication.
- Similes and metaphors often rely on comparability to draw parallels between different concepts.
- Effective writing often employs comparisons to illuminate similarities and differences, enriching the reader's experience.
Origin of 'comparable'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'comparabilis', which means 'able to be compared'.
- It was formed by combining 'com-' (together) and 'parare' (to prepare or arrange).
- The term began to appear in English writings around the late 14th century.
The word 'comparable' originated from the Latin word 'comparabilis', which means 'capable of comparison'. It entered the English language in the late 14th century. The concept of comparability has been fundamental in various fields such as science, economics, and literature.
See also: comparably, comparative, comparatively, comparator, compare, comparer, comparison, comparisons, incomparable.