Compared to Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
⚖️
compared to
[kəmˈperd tuː ]
Definition
in relation to
Used to indicate the similarities or differences between two or more things.
Synonyms
in comparison to, in contrast with.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| compared to |
Used to show the similarities or differences between two or more things. Often used when highlighting similarities.
|
Examples of usage
- He is very tall compared to his brother.
- This is nothing compared to what I have seen before.
- Compared to last year, this one has been much better.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- People often use comparisons to make sense of new information by relating it to something they already know.
- Social comparison theory explains that individuals determine their own social and personal worth based on how they stack up against others.
- Over-comparing can lead to negative emotions such as envy or low self-esteem.
Literature
- Writers use comparisons to create vivid imagery and help readers understand complex ideas.
- Similes and metaphors, common in poetry, both involve comparisons – like saying 'life is like a box of chocolates'.
- Many famous literary quotes, such as those from Shakespeare, include comparisons to emphasize a point.
Science
- In scientific studies, researchers often compare groups to determine the effectiveness of treatments or the significance of results.
- Comparative analysis is a foundational method in evolutionary biology, assessing how species relate to each other.
- In chemistry, the comparison of reactions can lead to safer practices and more efficient experiments.
Cultural Perspectives
- Different cultures may have unique ways of comparing success, often influenced by societal values and exposure.
- In various cultures, comparisons can be a way to communicate status, affluence, or personal achievements.
- The phrase often signals competitive contexts, where evaluating performance against others is common, such as in sports.
Origin of 'compared to'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'compare' comes from the Latin 'comparare', meaning 'to place side by side'.
- It appeared in English around the late 14th century, showing how languages evolve over time to include new ways of thinking.
- The phrase 'compared to' emphasizes a direct relationship between two subjects.
The phrase 'compared to' has its origins in Middle English, where 'compare' meant 'to liken, to examine the similarities or differences between two or more things'. Over time, the usage of 'compared to' has become a common prepositional phrase in English, used to show relationships and contrasts between different entities.