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Comparative

//kəmˈpæɹ.ə.tɪv// adj, noun

Definitions

Adjective
  1. 1
    Of or relating to comparison.

    "He gave us a comparative example to illustrate how the human mind works."

  2. 2
    Using comparison as a method of study, or founded on something using it.

    "A comparative study between Homo Sapiens and Homo neanderthalensis."

  3. 3
    Approximated by comparison; relative.

    "The Olympics, the weather and a comparative lack of heavyweight clashes so far this season have been cited as reasons for the drop in viewers."

  4. 4
    Comparable; bearing comparison. obsolete

    "And need he had of slumber yet, for none / Had suffered more—his hardships were comparative / To those related in my grand-dad's Narrative."

Adjective
  1. 1
    estimated by comparison; not absolute or complete wordnet
  2. 2
    relating to or based on or involving comparison wordnet
Noun
  1. 1
    The degree of comparison of an adjective or adverb used when comparing two entities in terms of a certain property or a certain way of doing something. In English, the comparative of superiority is formed by adding the suffix -er or the word more (e.g. bigger, more fully); the comparative of equality, by adding the word as (e.g. as big, as fully); the comparative of inferiority, by adding the word less (e.g. less big, less fully).
  2. 2
    the comparative form of an adjective or adverb wordnet
  3. 3
    An adjective or adverb in the comparative degree.
  4. 4
    Data used to make a comparison. in-plural

    "Investment ratios are positive. Comparative or trend data are required to draw final conclusions. The absence of comparatives and trend data constrains the conclusions."

  5. 5
    An equal; a rival; a compeer. obsolete

    "Gerrard ever was / His full comparative."

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  1. 6
    One who makes comparisons; one who affects wit. obsolete

    "Every beardless vain comparative."

Etymology

Etymology 1

From Middle English comparatif, from Middle French comparatif, from Latin comparātīvus, equivalent to comparātus, from comparāre (“to compare”) + -ive, from Latin -īvus.

Etymology 2

From Middle English comparatif, from Middle French comparatif, from Latin comparātīvus, equivalent to comparātus, from comparāre (“to compare”) + -ive, from Latin -īvus.

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