Comparing: meaning, definitions and examples

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comparing

 

[ kəmˈpɛrɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

evaluation process

Comparing refers to the act of assessing the similarities and differences between two or more items, people, or concepts. This process often involves looking at specific characteristics like size, quality, or performance. It's a fundamental cognitive skill used across various fields including education, science, and business. By comparing, individuals can make informed decisions based on the gathered information.

Synonyms

assessing, contrasting, differentiating, evaluating, juxtaposing.

Examples of usage

  • She is comparing prices of different smartphones.
  • In class, we are comparing the themes of two poems.
  • He spent hours comparing different car models before buying.
  • The report compares the economic growth of several countries.

Translations

Translations of the word "comparing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 comparando

🇮🇳 तुलना करना

🇩🇪 vergleichen

🇮🇩 membandingkan

🇺🇦 порівнюючи

🇵🇱 porównując

🇯🇵 比較している

🇫🇷 comparant

🇪🇸 comparando

🇹🇷 karşılaştırma yapmak

🇰🇷 비교하는

🇸🇦 مقارنة

🇨🇿 porovnávání

🇸🇰 porovnávanie

🇨🇳 比较

🇸🇮 primerjanje

🇮🇸 samanburður

🇰🇿 салыстыру

🇬🇪 შედარება

🇦🇿 müqayisə

🇲🇽 comparando

Etymology

The word 'compare' originated from the Latin verb 'comparare', which means 'to place side by side'. This Latin term is composed of the prefix 'com-' meaning 'together' and 'parare' meaning 'to prepare or make ready'. The evolution of the word into Old French as 'comparer' influenced its adoption into Middle English as 'comparen'. Over time, the meaning of the term expanded to include not just the physical act of placing items next to each other, but also the mental process of evaluating their characteristics. The use of 'comparing' as a gerund form emerged as English evolved, particularly as the language absorbed influences from various cultures and languages following historical events like the Norman Conquest. This linguistic journey illustrates how the concept of comparison has been integral to various human endeavors, from literature to business analysis.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,512, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.