Compare: Definition, Usage & Common Examples

Meaning 1：make a comparison (compare)

compare 🔊

/kəmˈpeər/

to look at two or more things to see how they are similar or different

Illustration comparing two people's height with a measurement chart

make a comparison 🔊

➕

/meɪk ə kəmˈpærɪsn/

To observe and assess two or more items to identify their similarities and differences.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：初级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'comparare': com- (together) + parare (to prepare), meaning to bring together for examination.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'com-pare': 'com' like 'come together' and 'pare' like 'pair', so bringing pairs together to compare.

📖 Example

In our art class, the teacher asked us to compare two paintings and talk about their use of color. 🔊 In our art class, the teacher instructed us to compare two paintings and discuss their color usage.

🔗 Collocations

compare with – to examine similarities and differences between two things

compare to – to liken one thing to another, often for metaphorical purposes

compare notes – to exchange information or opinions

🔄 Synonyms

contrast (v.) – to emphasize differences between things

analogize (v.) – to draw a comparison between two things for explanation

evaluate (v.) – to assess or judge the value or quality of something

🚫 Antonyms

ignore (v.) – to pay no attention to something

separate (v.) – to set or keep apart

🌱 Derivatives

comparison (n.) – the act of comparing

comparable (adj.) – able to be compared; similar

comparatively (adv.) – in a relative manner; by comparison

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Latin 'comparare', meaning 'to pair or match'. In modern English, it's frequently used in academic writing, product reviews, and everyday decision-making to evaluate similarities and differences.