Comparisons: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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