compare
verb (transitive)
UK/kəmˈpeə(r)/US/kəmˈper/
To estimate, measure, or note the similarity or dissimilarity between.
Example Sentences
She likes to compare different brands before making a purchase.
It's important to compare the features of each smartphone to decide which one suits your needs best.
They compared the two proposals and chose the one that offered better value.
When you compare their performance, you can see significant improvements over the last quarter.
He compared the old and new software versions to identify the changes and updates.
By comparing the data from this year to last year, the researchers were able to identify trends and patterns.
The teacher asked the students to compare the themes of the two novels in their essays, encouraging critical thinking and analysis.
During the evaluation, they compared the results of the experimental group with the control group, ensuring the validity and reliability of the study.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
To examine items side by side, identifying how they’re alike or distinct.This verb means examining two or more entities to highlight their similarities and differences. You might do so in everyday conversation—“Let’s compare these phones before buying”—or in academic or professional contexts—“The study compares two teaching methods for effectiveness.” The process typically entails gathering details (features, costs, results) and evaluating them systematically. When you’re writing or speaking, clarify what aspects you’re focusing on: are you comparing performance, price, quality, or other characteristics? You can use comparative structures like “A is faster than B” or “C is as effective as D.” In more formal or analytical work, consider the criteria for comparison, the evidence you have, and the conclusion you draw—“Upon comparing the data, we see a 10% improvement with Method A.” This clarity helps readers or listeners grasp precisely what’s being contrasted and why it matters. You can also use figurative language—“His dedication can’t compare to hers”—to stress a stark difference. Whether making an everyday purchase decision or conducting a thorough scholarly analysis, “compare” ensures you systematically weigh elements, guiding informed choices or conclusions.
Alternatives
For variety or more nuanced expressions, try synonyms or related verbs. “Contrast” often highlights differences more sharply: “We contrasted their problem-solving strategies.” “Evaluate” can work when you’re assessing quality or worth. “Weigh” can suggest balancing pros and cons: “We weighed the costs versus the benefits.” “Juxtapose” is more formal or literary, underscoring placing items side by side, often for dramatic effect: “The story juxtaposed hope and despair.” “Examine” or “assess” can convey a broader analytical stance without focusing solely on similarities and differences. If you’re focusing on matching or aligning traits, “equate” might appear, though it implies strong sameness. By selecting a verb that zeroes in on how thoroughly or in what way you’re reviewing multiple items, you tailor your language to the level of detail or emphasis you need. For instance, “analyze” suggests depth, “contrast” narrows to differences, and “compare” stays balanced between pros, cons, and parallels. Keeping these synonyms handy keeps your writing and speech precise and engaging, reflecting the exact nature of the examination you’re performing.
Writing
In writing, this verb lends structure to arguments, analyses, and discussions. You might open a compare-and-contrast essay by outlining the aspects you’ll address—for example, comparing historical events, literary themes, or market data. Consistency is crucial: clearly identify your criteria or categories of comparison at the start. Use transitional phrases like “in contrast,” “likewise,” or “on the other hand” to guide the reader as you compare attributes. Whether you’re supporting a thesis (“Comparing these two models reveals crucial differences in efficiency and cost”) or providing context (“Let’s compare contemporary trends with those of past decades”), the clarity of your framework ensures effective communication. If you want to highlight parallels, consider presenting similarities first, then describing differences—or vice versa. Include specific evidence or examples under each category: “When we compare user experience, Model A is more intuitive, while Model B needs updates.” This systematic approach makes it easier for readers to follow your reasoning. Vary your language by occasionally swapping in “contrast,” “evaluate,” or “analyze,” especially if the text involves multiple comparisons. Combining methodical organization with precise wording helps maintain coherence, ensuring readers grasp each comparison point and the significance behind it.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, people frequently say “compare” when deciding on purchases, weighing pros and cons, or chatting about personal choices. You might mention, “I’m trying to compare two gym memberships,” or “Let’s compare notes on how our day went.” This signals you want to see what’s similar—like price, location, or overall impressions—and what sets each option apart. With friends, you might compare experiences: “We compared our vacations; hers was more relaxing, mine was more adventurous.” In these casual contexts, you can keep things informal: “I’m checking reviews to compare the new phone models.” If something is obviously better or different, you might say, “There’s no comparison,” emphasizing a huge gap in quality or preference. When a decision or perspective matters, “compare” helps keep the process straightforward and invites feedback—“Could you help me compare these recipes?” or “Let’s compare our schedules to find a good meetup time.” So long as you specify what you’re evaluating—like features, times, or outcomes—it’s easy to keep conversation clear and interactive. “Compare” signals a balanced, open-minded look at multiple items or experiences, helping you reach everyday conclusions more confidently.
Etymology
Stemming from the Latin “comparare,” which means “to couple together” or “to match,” the verb “compare” originally encapsulated the idea of pairing items side by side. That root comprises “com-” (together) and “parare” (to make equal, prepare), reflecting a sense of aligning elements for inspection. In Old French, “comparer” brought the same notion into medieval European languages, eventually carrying over into Middle English. Over time, “compare” gained broader semantic layers, no longer confined to literal side-by-side matching. It came to symbolize evaluating likenesses and contrasts in more abstract realms—such as comparing theories, attitudes, or intangible qualities. While the word remains closely tied to measuring similarities, its Latin heritage also underlines the union of items (be they objects, ideas, or experiences) for the purpose of deeper understanding. Today, “compare” is integral across domains—academics, everyday life, commerce—maintaining the core principle of revealing what’s shared and what’s distinct whenever we set two or more things in parallel.
