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Comparable: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：similar enough to compare (comparable)
comparable
/ˈkɒmp(ə)rəb(ə)l/
adj.
It means two things are similar enough to be placed side by side for comparison.
similar enough to compare
➕
/sɪmɪlə(r) ɪˈnʌf tə kəmˈpeə(r)/
adj.
Used to describe two or more things that share enough common characteristics to allow for a meaningful side-by-side evaluation or analysis.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'comparabilis' (fit for comparison), from 'com-' (together) + 'parare' (to make ready, to prepare).
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'COMPARE + ABLE'. If two things are 'comparable', you are ABLE to COMPARE them because they are similar.
📖 Example
The battery life of this new smartphone is comparable to that of a high-end laptop.
The duration for which this new phone's battery can last is similar enough to a high-performance laptop's battery life to make a fair comparison.
🔗 Collocations
comparable to – similar to or on the same level as something else
comparable with – able to be likened or judged against something else
comparable data – information that is similar in nature and can be compared
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
incomparable (adj.) – So good or extreme that it is beyond comparison; matchless.
dissimilar (adj.) – Not alike; different.
🌱 Derivatives
comparably (adv.) – in a similar manner or to a similar degree
comparability (n.) – the quality of being suitable for comparison
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'comparabilis', meaning 'capable of comparison'. Entered English via Old French in the late 14th century. It's a foundational term in logic and analysis, crucial for fair assessment in fields from economics to product reviews.
Meaning 2：of similar standard or quality (comparable)
comparable
/ˈkɒmp(ə)rəb(ə)l/
adj.
It means something is good enough to be considered equal to another thing in quality.
of similar standard or quality
➕
/əv ˈsɪmɪlə(r) ˈstændəd ɔː(r) ˈkwɒləti/
adj.
Indicates that something possesses a level of excellence, value, or performance that is roughly equal to that of another, often more established or expensive, thing.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The performance of this affordable electric car is comparable to many luxury models.
The way this reasonably priced electric vehicle handles and accelerates is on par with the performance of numerous high-end cars.
🔗 Collocations
comparable performance – achieving results or efficiency that matches another's
comparable value – having equivalent worth, benefit, or cost-effectiveness
directly comparable – so similar in standard that they can be judged against each other without adjustment
🔄 Synonyms
equivalent (adj.) – Equal in value, amount, function, meaning, etc.
on a par with (phrase) – Equal to someone or something in quality or importance.
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