Comparator: meaning, definitions and examples

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comparator

 

[ kəmˈpærətər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

mathematical

A device or computer program used to compare two quantities.

Synonyms

analyzer, comparer, evaluator.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
comparator

This term is mainly used in technical or electronic fields when discussing devices that compare two voltages or other quantities. It's very specific to engineering and scientific contexts.

  • An electronic comparator can quickly determine whether the input voltage is above a certain threshold
comparer

This uncommon term is likely used in more casual or specific contexts to describe someone or something that makes comparisons. It is less frequently used than 'comparator' or 'evaluator'.

  • As a comparer of different product traits, the app helps users decide which item to purchase
evaluator

Commonly used in both professional and educational settings, an evaluator assesses or judges the quality, importance, or value of an object, skill, or performance.

  • The job of the evaluator is to assess the student's performance based on the set criteria
analyzer

An analyzer is often used in scientific, medical, and data analysis contexts to describe a tool or person that examines data or samples in detail.

  • The blood analyzer helps diagnose various health conditions by examining blood samples

Examples of usage

  • The comparator indicated that the two values were equal.
  • She used the comparator to determine which number was larger.
Context #2 | Noun

electronics

A circuit that compares two voltages or currents and outputs a digital signal indicating which is greater.

Synonyms

analog comparator, current comparator, voltage comparator.

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Word Description / Examples
comparator

A general term used in various fields to describe any device or system that compares two values or signals. Can be used in electronics, mathematics, or logic.

  • The comparator showed that the two signals were almost identical.
  • A digital comparator is used in programming to compare numeric values.
analog comparator

Used specifically in electronics to describe a device that compares two analog signals and outputs a digital signal indicating which one is higher.

  • The analog comparator was used in the circuit to compare the voltage levels.
  • In the sensor system, an analog comparator helps to determine which sensor is detecting a higher signal.
voltage comparator

Used in electronics to describe a device that compares two voltage levels and outputs a corresponding digital signal to indicate the higher voltage level.

  • The voltage comparator triggered an alarm when the battery voltage dropped below the threshold.
  • In the power supply design, a voltage comparator helps in monitoring the output voltage stability.
current comparator

Refers to a device used specifically to compare two or more currents. This is often used in electrical engineering and instrumentation.

  • The current comparator was able to accurately measure the difference between the currents in two branches of the circuit.
  • In electrical testing, a current comparator ensures that the current levels are within specified limits.

Examples of usage

  • The voltage comparator helped regulate the power supply.
  • The electronics engineer designed a new comparator for the circuit.
Context #3 | Noun

linguistics

A word or phrase used to indicate the degree of superiority or inferiority of two objects being compared.

Synonyms

comparison marker, comparison word, relative term.

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Word Description / Examples
comparator

Used in technical or scientific contexts to refer to a device or method for comparing two values, often used in electronics or measurement.

  • The lab uses a high-precision optical comparator to ensure the parts meet the design specifications.
  • The electrical circuit included a voltage comparator to maintain stability.
comparison word

Broadly used in both everyday language and academic contexts to refer to words that indicate comparison, such as 'bigger,' 'smaller,' 'more,' and 'less.' Generally used in a non-technical context.

  • 'Better' is a common comparison word used to show improvement.
  • When comparing two items, it's important to use accurate comparison words.
relative term

Used to describe words whose meaning can vary depending on the context or when comparing different things. Often used in discussions where ambiguity exists.

  • 'Fast' is a relative term, as it depends on what you are comparing it to.
  • When discussing wealth, 'rich' can be a relative term based on the economic status of different countries.
comparison marker

Used in linguistics or grammar to refer to words or phrases that indicate a comparison between two or more items.

  • In the sentence 'John is taller than Bill,' 'taller than' serves as the comparison marker.
  • The comparison marker 'more than' is often used to compare quantities or degrees.

Examples of usage

  • In English, 'taller than' is a comparative.
  • The comparative 'better' is used to compare two things.
Context #4 | Noun

general

A person or thing that can be used as a basis for comparison.

Synonyms

benchmark, reference point, standard.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
comparator

Used in technical fields and engineering to refer to a device or standard against which other things are compared.

  • The comparator device showed that the voltage was too high
  • Engineers used a comparator to measure the differences in voltages
benchmark

Commonly used in business and software development to indicate a point of reference for measuring performance or quality.

  • Our sales results this quarter will be the benchmark for future growth
  • In software testing, we set a benchmark to ensure the new application performs well
standard

Refers to a recognized level of quality or achievement that is accepted and followed by a particular group or industry. Can be used positively to set expectations.

  • Our customer service aims to meet high standards
  • The safety standards in this industry are very strict
reference point

General term used in various contexts to indicate a point used to compare or measure something else. Often used in discussions of direction, progress, or relative positions.

  • The old oak tree is a reference point for hikers in the forest
  • When discussing goals, it's important to have a clear reference point

Examples of usage

  • The Eiffel Tower is a famous comparator for tall structures.
  • The success of the previous project served as a comparator for the new one.

Translations

Translations of the word "comparator" in other languages:

🇵🇹 comparador

🇮🇳 तुलनित्र

🇩🇪 Vergleicher

🇮🇩 pembanding

🇺🇦 компаратор

🇵🇱 komparator

🇯🇵 コンパレーター (konparētā)

🇫🇷 comparateur

🇪🇸 comparador

🇹🇷 karşılaştırıcı

🇰🇷 비교기 (bigyogi)

🇸🇦 مقارن

🇨🇿 komparátor

🇸🇰 komparátor

🇨🇳 比较器 (bǐjiàoqì)

🇸🇮 komparator

🇮🇸 samanburðarprófi

🇰🇿 салыстырғыш

🇬🇪 შედარების მოწყობილობა (shedarebis motskhovrebula)

🇦🇿 müqayisəçi

🇲🇽 comparador

Etymology

The word 'comparator' originated from the Latin word 'comparare', meaning 'to liken'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 19th century. The concept of comparison has been fundamental in various fields such as mathematics, electronics, linguistics, and general usage. The development of comparators in technology has greatly improved the efficiency of comparing values. Overall, 'comparator' plays a crucial role in the process of analyzing, evaluating, and determining relationships between different entities.

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

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,159, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.