comparative

Showing how two or more things are similar or different.

• The chart gives comparative prices.
• We need comparative figures for last year.
• The report includes a comparative analysis of the two services.

Common phrases: comparative figures, comparative table, comparative analysis

Better or greater than something else, although perhaps still limited.

• They lived in comparative comfort.
• We reached the comparative safety of the village.
• She completed the task with comparative ease.

Similar words: relative

Common phrases: comparative comfort, comparative safety, comparative ease

Studying two or more things together to understand their similarities and differences.

• She studies comparative literature.
• They carried out a comparative study of two languages.
• Comparative research can reveal differences between school systems.

Common phrases: comparative study, comparative literature, comparative linguistics

Close to being a particular kind of person or thing, compared with others.

• I am a comparative beginner.
• She remained a comparative stranger to her neighbours.
• The company is a comparative newcomer to banking.

Similar words: relative

Common phrases: comparative newcomer, comparative stranger, comparative beginner

An adjective or adverb form, such as “bigger” or “faster”, used to compare two things.

• “Better” is a comparative.
• We use comparatives to compare two things.
• What is the comparative of “far”?

How to use it: the comparative of something (The comparative of “small” is “smaller”.)

Common phrases: comparative of something, use the comparative, irregular comparative