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| Date: | 1400-1500 |
| Language: | French |
| Origin: | comparer, from Latin comparare, from compar 'like', from com- ( COM-) + par 'equal' |
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com‧pare1 S1 W1
1 [transitive] to examine or judge two or more things in order to show how they are similar to or different from each other [↪ comparison, comparative]: The report compares the different types of home computer available.
The report compares the different types of home computer available. compare something/somebody with something/somebody The police compared the suspect's fingerprints with those found at the crime scene.
The police compared the suspect's fingerprints with those found at the crime scene. compare something/somebody to something/somebody Davies' style of writing has been compared to Dickens'.
Davies' style of writing has been compared to Dickens'. compare and contrast (=an expression used when telling students to write about the things that are similar or different in works of literature or art) Compare and contrast the main characters of these two novels.
Compare and contrast the main characters of these two novels.2 used when considering the size, quality, or amount of something in relation to something similar : a 20% reduction in burglary compared with last year Compared to our small flat, Bill's house seemed like a palace.
compared to/with something
a 20% reduction in burglary compared with last yearCompared to our small flat, Bill's house seemed like a palace.3 [intransitive] to be better or worse than something else
compare (favourably/unfavourably) with something The quality of English wines can now compare with wines from Germany. How does life in Britain compare with life in the States? The imported fabric is 30% cheaper and compares favourably (=is as good) in quality.
The quality of English wines can now compare with wines from Germany.How does life in Britain compare with life in the States?The imported fabric is 30% cheaper and compares favourably (=is as good) in quality.4 if something does not compare with something else, it is not as good, large etc : The rides at the fair just can't compare with the rides at Disneyland.
something doesn't/can't compare (with something)
The rides at the fair just can't compare with the rides at Disneyland.5 to talk to someone in order to find out if their experience of something is the same as yours : Leading scientists got together in Paris to compare notes on current research.
compare notes (with somebody)
informalLeading scientists got together in Paris to compare notes on current research.