compare
kuhm-PEH-uh
Compare (verb) means to examine two or more things together to note their similarities and differences. Example: “She compared the two contracts line by line.”
verb
1
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."
"Before buying a laptop, I always compare the specifications of several models."
2
To describe one thing as similar to another.
"Critics compared the young singer to Aretha Franklin."
"People often compare life in a small village to living inside a big family."
"My teacher compared the human heart to a pump."
How to use compare
Learner’s notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- compares
- Third person singular
- compares
- Past tense
- compared
- Archaic forms
- comparest, comparedst, compareth
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").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for compare
See all rhymes for compare →Frequently asked questions
What does “compare” mean?
The word “compare” means to examine two or more things together to note their similarities and differences. In plain terms, to look at two or more things side by side to see how alike or different they are.
How do you pronounce “compare”?
“Compare” is pronounced kuhm-PEH-uh (/kəmˈpɛɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “compare” in a sentence?
Here is “compare” used in a sentence: “She compared the two contracts line by line.”
What part of speech is “compare”?
“Compare” is a verb.
Where does the word “compare” come from?
The word “compare” comes from Latin. From Old French comparer, from Latin comparare ("to pair, match"), from compar ("equal to another").
Is “compare” a common word?
“Compare” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “compare” have?
“Compare” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to examine two or more things together to note their similarities and differences.
What is the difference between compare and contrast?
To compare is to look at two or more things for both their similarities and their differences. To contrast is narrower; it means to focus only on the differences. In essays, 'compare and contrast' asks you to do both: show what the subjects share, then highlight where they diverge.
What is the difference between 'compare to' and 'compare with'?
'Compare to' usually means to liken one thing to another, stressing similarity: 'he compared the city to a beehive.' 'Compare with' means to set things side by side and examine both likenesses and differences: 'compare this year's sales with last year's.' The distinction is subtle, and modern usage often blurs it.
What is an example of comparing two things?
Comparing means weighing things together to see how they line up. Shopping is an everyday example: you might compare two phones by price, battery life, and camera quality before choosing. Comparison helps you make decisions, spot patterns, and understand each option better by seeing it next to an alternative.
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