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Comparatively Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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comparatively

[ˈkəm.pər.ə.tɪv.li ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

in comparison

To a certain extent or degree; relatively.

Synonyms

comparably, fairly, moderately, relatively.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
comparatively

Use this word when you are making a comparison between two things or situations, showing that one is better or worse to some degree.

  • The weather is comparatively warmer today than it was yesterday
  • He is comparatively more experienced than his colleagues
relatively

Use this word when comparing one thing to another, often to show that something is true to a greater or lesser extent.

  • This course is relatively easy compared to the previous one
  • She is relatively new to the company
fairly

Use this word to express a moderate degree of something, often slightly less strong than 'very'.

  • She was fairly certain about her decision
  • The hotel is fairly close to the beach
moderately

This word is used to describe something that is neither too much nor too little, but balanced and within reasonable limits.

  • He was moderately successful in his career
  • The dish is moderately spicy
comparably

This word is used to indicate that two things are similar or on the same level in a certain aspect.

  • The two athletes performed comparably in the last competition
  • These products are comparably priced

Examples of usage

  • He is comparatively young for a CEO.
  • She is comparatively more experienced in this field.
  • The company is doing well, comparatively speaking.
  • We are still in a good position, comparatively.
Context #2 | Adverb

in comparison to something else

Used to compare one thing to another.

Synonyms

comparably, fairly, moderately, relatively.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
comparatively

Use when comparing two or more things, showing that something is true to a lesser extent than something else.

  • The climate in this region is comparatively mild
  • The new model is comparatively expensive, but it offers more features
relatively

Use when saying something is true in comparison with other similar things, often implying a certain degree but not absolute.

  • This book is relatively easy to read
  • The task was relatively simple compared to what we usually do
fairly

Use to express that something is true to a certain but not very great extent; often implies balance or justice.

  • She did fairly well on her test
  • The movie was fairly interesting, but not exciting
moderately

Use when describing something that is within a middle range or not extreme.

  • The food was moderately spicy
  • He is moderately successful in his career
comparably

Use when showing that two things are similar or almost equal in some way.

  • The two candidates are comparably qualified for the job
  • This smartphone is comparably priced to its competitors

Examples of usage

  • This new model is comparatively faster than the previous one.
  • The new regulations are comparatively stricter than the old ones.
  • Her performance this year is comparatively better than last year.
  • The prices are comparatively higher now.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Grammar

  • It's often used with adjectives to describe things in relation to one another, like 'comparatively smaller'.
  • The word signifies a scale or degree, emphasizing the differences or similarities between items.
  • In English, using 'comparatively' can make statements more persuasive by offering context.

Psychology

  • Humans naturally use comparison as a cognitive tool to make decisions and form opinions.
  • The process of relative judgment plays a crucial role in our understanding of worth and quality.
  • Comparative thinking can lead to a sense of social belonging or disadvantage, influencing self-esteem.

Education

  • Teachers often encourage students to think comparatively to enhance critical thinking skills.
  • Using comparison in studies can help learners grasp complex concepts by aligning them with familiar ones.
  • Comparatively analyzing different texts in literature leads to deeper insights about themes and character development.

Cultural Context

  • In many cultures, comparison of social status, wealth, and success is a key aspect of identity and societal interactions.
  • Comparative analysis is crucial in various fields such as economics, sociology, and anthropology to understand societal dynamics.
  • Cultural values can influence what is considered 'better' or 'worse' in comparative judgments.

Origin of 'comparatively'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'comparare', meaning 'to compare'.
  • It entered the English language in the late 14th century, shaping its comparative form in grammar.
  • The suffix '-ly' turns adjectives into adverbs, making the term used to describe how comparison is made.

The word 'comparatively' is derived from the verb 'compare', which comes from the Old French word 'comparer' and the Latin word 'comparare', meaning 'to liken, to match'. The adverb 'comparatively' has been used in the English language since the 15th century, evolving over time to its current usage to indicate comparison or relative degree.

See also: comparable, comparably, comparative, comparator, compare, comparer, comparison, comparisons, incomparable.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,474, 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.