Comparable: meaning, definitions and examples

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comparable

 

[ kəmˈpærəbl ]

Adjective
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?

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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?

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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.

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

Etymology

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.

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.