Comparable: meaning, definitions and examples

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comparable

[kəmˈpærəbl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

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. The job offer is comparable to what I was receiving at my previous job
similar	General use to show that two things share some common features but aren’t necessarily identical. The two twins have very similar personalities
equivalent	Used when specifying that two things are essentially equal or have the same value or effect. A mile is equivalent to approximately 1 609 kilometers
analogous	Scientific or technical contexts, indicating that two things have similar features or functions but not identical qualities. The human brain is analogous to a computer in its processing capabilities
like	Everyday conversation to indicate that two things share similar characteristics. He sings like a professional
parallel	Situations where two processes or situations run in a similar manner without intersecting. Often used metaphorically or in more formal contexts. Their career paths have followed a parallel course over the years

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.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

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. The two cars are comparable in terms of fuel efficiency
worthy	This word is used when describing someone or something that deserves respect, attention, or admiration. He is worthy of the promotion due to his hard work
worthy of comparison	Use this phrase when implying that something is so good or significant that it deserves to be compared to something else. The new model is worthy of comparison to the best in the market
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. Her skills are on a par with those of a professional
equal to	This phrase is suitable for situations where you want to state that two things have the same value, importance, or amount. Her intelligence is equal to her brother's
equivalent to	Use this phrase when you want to express that one thing is essentially the same as another in value, amount, function, etc. One US dollar is roughly equivalent to 0 85 euros

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "comparable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 comparável

🇮🇳 तुलनीय

🇩🇪 vergleichbar

🇮🇩 sebanding

🇺🇦 порівнянний

🇵🇱 porównywalny

🇯🇵 比較可能な

🇫🇷 comparable

🇪🇸 comparable

🇹🇷 karşılaştırılabilir

🇰🇷 비교할 수 있는

🇸🇦 قابل للمقارنة

🇨🇿 srovnatelný

🇸🇰 porovnateľný

🇨🇳 可比较的

🇸🇮 primerljiv

🇮🇸 samanburðarhæfur

🇰🇿 салыстырмалы

🇬🇪 შესადარებელი

🇦🇿 müqayisə edilə bilən

🇲🇽 comparable

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,150, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

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3147 logic
3148 anxiety
3149 smoke
3150 comparable
3151 drinking
3152 occurring
3153 brothers
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