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comparative
/ˌkɒmpəˈreɪtɪv/
relating to comparison
The comparative form of 'good' is 'better'.
This shows how adjectives change to compare things.
general
relating to the process of comparing things to show differences or similarities
We conducted a comparative analysis of the two products.
We examined the differences and similarities between the two products.
Often used in academic or analytical contexts.
grammar
grammar: the form of an adjective or adverb used to compare two things
The comparative of 'fast' is 'faster'.
When comparing two things, 'fast' changes to 'faster'.
In English, comparatives often end in '-er' or use 'more' before the adjective.
Collocations
comparative analysisa detailed study comparing two or more thingscomparative advantagean economic term referring to the ability to produce something more efficiently than others
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Grammar Tip
Remember that comparatives often end in '-er' (e.g., 'faster', 'happier') or use 'more' before the adjective (e.g., 'more beautiful', 'more expensive').
Gold Rule
Usage Rule
Use comparatives to compare two things and superlatives to compare three or more things.
Word Origin
From Latin 'comparativus', meaning 'comparing', from 'comparare' (to compare).
Usage Notes
In grammar, comparatives are used to compare two things (e.g., 'taller', 'more expensive'). Superlatives compare three or more things (e.g., 'tallest', 'most expensive').
Word Breakdown
compar
to compare
root-ative
relating to
suffixEnglish Dictionary