Compare Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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compare

[kəmˈpɛː ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in a competition

To examine two or more objects, people, or ideas in order to determine similarities and differences.

Synonyms

analyze, contrast, differentiate, evaluate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
compare	Use when you want to show the similarities and differences between two or more things. Let's compare the prices of these two phones. She compared her work with that of her peers.
contrast	Use when you specifically want to highlight the differences between two or more things. The teacher asked the students to contrast the lifestyles of people in urban and rural areas. You can easily contrast their personalities by observing their behavior.
differentiate	Use when you want to show how two or more things are different from each other. It's important to differentiate between fact and opinion in this debate. Can you differentiate the symptoms of these similar illnesses?
evaluate	Use when you need to determine the value, significance, or condition of something after careful consideration. The manager will evaluate the employee's performance. We need to evaluate the pros and cons of the proposal.
analyze	Use when you need to examine something in detail to understand it better, often by breaking it down into smaller parts. The scientist will analyze the data from the experiment. We need to analyze the situation before making a decision.

Examples of usage

Let's compare the prices of these two laptops before making a decision.
It's important to compare different insurance plans before choosing one.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

showing similarities or differences

To consider or describe as similar or equal; liken.

Synonyms

associate, equivalent, liken, resemble.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
compare	Used when examining two or more items to identify similarities and differences. Let's compare the prices of these two phones. She compared her notes with his to see if they had the same information.
liken	Used when drawing a direct comparison between one thing and another, often for clarity or emphasis. He likened her to a breath of fresh air. The teacher likened the process to constructing a building.
associate	Used when suggesting a connection or relationship between things or people. People often associate dark clouds with bad weather. He is closely associated with the new policy changes.
equivalent	Used when indicating that two things are equal in value, amount, function, meaning, etc. The word 'liberty' is often used as the English equivalent of the French word 'liberté'. The two jobs are equivalent in terms of responsibility.
resemble	Used when noting how something or someone looks or seems similar to something or someone else. She closely resembles her mother. The house resembles the one in the old photograph.

Examples of usage

He compared her eyes to the stars in the night sky.
The author often compares love to a delicate flower.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

a point of reference

A point or level of quality that is considered as a standard for judging or understanding something.

Synonyms

benchmark, reference, standard, yardstick.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
compare	Use when evaluating the similarities and differences between two or more items. She likes to compare different brands before making a purchase They often compare exam results to gauge progress
benchmark	Best for setting or evaluating against a standard, often used in business or technical contexts. The company uses last year's sales as a benchmark for this year's performance Developers benchmark their code to ensure efficiency
standard	Best used to describe an established norm or level of quality that something is measured against. This product meets the industry standard for safety The school has a high standard of academic excellence
yardstick	Often used in more informal contexts to describe a means of measuring or evaluating something, can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation suggesting rigidity. Test scores are often used as the yardstick for student success Using profit as the only yardstick for performance can be misleading
reference	Use when mentioning something as a source of information or for verification purposes. Please reference the manual for instructions on setup Her research paper included several references to previous studies

Examples of usage

Her success in the competition set a high standard for others to compare to.
This new model is a good compare to the previous one.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

People often use comparisons to make decisions, as it helps in evaluating options more clearly.
Comparison can lead to both positive and negative emotions; upward comparisons can inspire, while downward ones may cause feelings of superiority.
Social comparisons are a natural part of human behavior, influencing self-esteem and self-perception.

Education

Comparison is a key skill taught in schools, helping students analyze texts, concepts, or historical events.
Teachers often encourage the use of Venn diagrams to visually represent similarities and differences.
In critical thinking, comparing and contrasting ideas is crucial for deeper understanding and analysis.

Technology

In software development, comparing algorithms helps developers choose the most efficient ones for a task.
In product reviews, comparisons are essential for consumers to make informed purchasing decisions.
Social media platforms often utilize comparison features to show users their engagement metrics against others.

Cultural Context

In literature, authors frequently use comparisons (like metaphors and similes) to enrich narratives and convey deeper meanings.
Cross-cultural comparisons highlight differences in customs and practices, promoting understanding of global diversity.
Comparing different cuisines reveals unique ingredients and cooking techniques, showcasing cultural identity.

Origin of 'compare'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'comparare', which means 'to pair together' or 'to compare'.
In Middle English, it was used as 'comparen', showing its evolution over centuries.
The prefix 'com-' means 'together' and 'parare' means 'to prepare' or 'to make equal', reflecting the essence of the word.

The word 'compare' has its origins in the late Middle English period, deriving from the Old French word 'comparer', which in turn came from the Latin word 'comparare' meaning 'to liken, to compare'. The concept of comparing elements has been essential in human communication and understanding since ancient times, aiding in decision-making, analysis, and evaluation.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,956, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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