compare

To look at two or more things to see how they are alike or different.

• Compare the two pictures.
• We compared prices before buying the tickets.
• How does this year’s result compare with last year’s?

How to use it: compare A with B (Compare this answer with your first one.); compare A to B (She compared the new model to the old one.)

Similar words: collate

Common phrases: compare prices, compare with something, compare notes

To be similar in quality or value to something else.

• Nothing can compare with home.
• This cheap coffee does not compare with hers.
• How do the two hotels compare?

How to use it: compare with someone/something (No other singer can compare with her.); compare to someone/something (The copy does not compare to the original.)

Similar words: measure up

Common phrases: compare with something, nothing can compare, does not compare

To give an adjective’s basic form and its forms meaning more and most.

• Can you compare this adjective?
• The teacher asked us to compare “small.”
• We compared several irregular adjectives in class.

Common phrases: compare an adjective, compare irregular adjectives