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Comparisons Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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comparisons

[kəmˈpærɪsnz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

mathematics

Comparisons are used to show how one thing is similar or different to another.

Synonyms

analogies, contrasts, parallels.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
comparisons

Used when evaluating the similarities and differences between two or more items. It is a broad term that can cover many types of evaluations.

  • The teacher asked for comparisons between the two novels.
  • We made some comparisons between the old and new policies.
analogies

Used when explaining a concept or idea by comparing it to something familiar. Often used to clarify or simplify complex ideas.

  • The scientist used an analogy to explain the complex theory.
  • He used the analogy of a roadmap to help students understand the process.
parallels

Used when identifying similarities between two or more items, often to show how they are comparable in important ways.

  • The historian drew parallels between the ancient empire and modern nations.
  • There are many parallels between learning a language and learning a musical instrument.
contrasts

Used when focusing on the differences between two or more items. It often highlights opposing characteristics.

  • The essay highlighted the contrasts between urban and rural life.
  • She drew a contrast between the two characters' motivations.

Examples of usage

  • Students learn about comparisons in their math class.
  • He made a comparison between the two different types of cars.
  • The comparison between the two products helped the consumers make a decision.
Context #2 | Noun

literature

In literature, comparisons are often used to create vivid imagery and enhance the reader's understanding.

Synonyms

analogies, metaphors, similes.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
comparisons

Used when directly comparing two or more items or ideas to evaluate their similarities or differences.

  • In her essay, she made several comparisons between classical and modern education systems.
  • The report includes a comparison of different smartphone models.
metaphors

Used to describe an idea or object in a way that isn't literally true but helps explain an idea or make a comparison.

  • He is a lion in battle.
  • The world is a stage and we are merely players.
similes

Used to make a direct comparison between two different things, typically using 'like' or 'as.'

  • Her smile was as bright as the sun.
  • He fought like a lion.
analogies

Used to explain something complex by comparing it to something more familiar or simpler.

  • The teacher used an analogy to explain how the human brain works by comparing it to a computer.
  • He drew an analogy between the structure of an atom and the solar system.

Examples of usage

  • The writer used a comparison between the storm and the character's emotions.
  • Her use of comparisons brought the scene to life for the reader.
Context #3 | Noun

everyday language

Comparisons are commonly used in everyday language to make a point or explain a concept.

Synonyms

analogies, contrasts, parallels.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
comparisons

When you want to examine the similarities and differences between two or more things in a general sense.

  • The comparisons between the two products revealed that one was far more reliable than the other
analogies

When you are explaining an idea or a concept by showing how it is similar to something else that is better known, often to clarify or illustrate a point.

  • An analogy for the human brain is that it's like a supercomputer; both can store vast amounts of information and process complex tasks
parallels

When you want to show that two or more things are comparable in certain aspects or progress in a similar way, usually implying a likeness or similarity in development or characteristics.

  • There are many parallels between the French Revolution and the American Revolution, including the fight for freedom and equality
contrasts

When you specifically want to highlight the differences between two or more things, often to show how one thing is better, worse, or not like the other.

  • The movie contrasts the lives of the rich and the poor to highlight social inequalities

Examples of usage

  • She drew a comparison between the two political candidates.
  • His comparison of the situation to a sinking ship was quite accurate.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People often make comparisons to evaluate their own successes and failures, which can influence self-esteem.
  • The phenomenon of social comparison helps individuals adapt to their social environment by assessing their abilities against others.
  • Research shows that upward comparisons (comparing with someone better) can be motivating, while downward comparisons (comparing with someone worse) can boost confidence.

Literature

  • Many authors use comparisons in their works to highlight themes, such as love vs. hate or freedom vs. oppression.
  • Similes and metaphors are common forms of comparisons that enhance imagery in poetry and storytelling.
  • Classic literature often employs allegorical comparisons, where characters represent larger concepts or moral lessons, deepening the narrative.

Science

  • In research, comparisons are vital for experiments to determine the effect of one variable by contrasting it with another.
  • Comparative studies in biology often assess different species to understand evolutionary changes.
  • Statistical methods rely on comparisons to analyze data, providing insights in fields from economics to medicine.

Pop Culture

  • Reality TV often features comparisons, with contestants evaluated against each other to determine who wins challenges.
  • Many social media platforms thrive on comparison, as users showcase lifestyles that invite others to compare their lives.
  • Popular songs often reflect themes of comparison, discussing beauty standards or lifestyle choices, resonating deeply with listeners.

Origin of 'comparisons'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'comparare', meaning 'to pair together'.
  • It evolved through Old French before coming into English in the late Middle Ages.
  • The root 'par' in 'comparare' means 'equal' or 'to equalize'.

The word 'comparisons' originates from the Old French word 'comparaison', which in turn comes from the Latin word 'comparationem'. The concept of comparing things has been integral to human communication and understanding since ancient times. From mathematical comparisons to literary metaphors, the use of comparisons has evolved and adapted across cultures and languages.

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

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,900, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.