verb

compare

kuhm-PEH-uh

verb

To examine two or more things together to note their similarities and differences.

"She compared the two contracts line by line."

"It's hard to compare the two cities — they're so different."

To describe one thing as similar to another.

"Critics compared the young singer to Aretha Franklin."

How to Use Compare

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo look at two or more things side by side to see how alike or different they are.

Common mistake

"Compare to" highlights similarity (comparing X to Y suggests they're alike); "compare with" is used more for detailed, neutral analysis of differences and similarities.

Common pairings

compare notes compare prices compared to/with

Word Forms

compared past tense, compare plural, compares plural, compared plural, compares singular, compare singular, compared singular, comparest singular, comparedst singular, compareth singular

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

She _____ the two contracts line by line.

Etymology

From Old French comparer, from Latin comparare ("to pair, match"), from compar ("equal to another").

Rhymes for compare

are dare care hare mare fare bare rare ware gare share snare

See all rhymes for compare →