com·par·a·tive
kəm-ˈper-ə-tiv 
-ˈpa-rə-
1
: of, relating to, or constituting the degree of comparison in a language that denotes increase in the quality, quantity, or relation expressed by an adjective or adverb
The comparative form of happy is happier.
The comparative form of clearly is more clearly.
2
: considered as if in comparison to something else as a standard not quite attained : relative
a comparative stranger
She's a comparative newcomer to the company.
3
: characterized by systematic comparison especially of likenesses and dissimilarities
comparative anatomy
a comparative analysis of the roles of women in different cultures
comparatively
adverb
comparativeness
noun
1
b
: one that makes witty or mocking comparisons
2
: the comparative degree or form in a language
The comparative of tall is taller.
Synonyms
Examples of comparative in a Sentence
Adjective
She did a comparative study of classical and modern art.
I'm taking a class in comparative anatomy.
a comparative analysis of the roles of women in different cultures
The comparative form of “happy” is “happier”; the comparative form of “good” is “better”; the comparative form of “clearly” is “more clearly.”
Noun
“Taller” is the comparative of “tall.”
Recent Examples on the Web
Derek Saul, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
This framework achieved many of its objectives, contributing to the biggest reduction in poverty in human history, opening vast new markets to U.S. exports, and greatly strengthening the comparative advantage of U.S. firms.
—Michael B. G. Froman, Foreign Affairs, 3 Oct. 2024
Keith Gessen, The New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2024
Related Articles The comparatives with last year were particularly tough.
—Samantha Conti, WWD, 16 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for comparative 
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Adjective
Election betting sites which operate legally in the U.S. have comparative limits, with Robinhood allowing 5,000 contracts per user and PredictIt $850 per user on each election market.
—Derek Saul, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
This framework achieved many of its objectives, contributing to the biggest reduction in poverty in human history, opening vast new markets to U.S. exports, and greatly strengthening the comparative advantage of U.S. firms.
—Michael B. G. Froman, Foreign Affairs, 3 Oct. 2024
Noun
Its comparatives and superlatives bleed into each other, what may have once seemed like a watershed moment becomes routine.
—Keith Gessen, The New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2024
Related Articles The comparatives with last year were particularly tough.
—Samantha Conti, WWD, 16 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for comparative
Articles Related to comparative
Dictionary Entries Near comparative
Cite this Entry
“Comparative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comparative. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
comparative
1 of 2 adjective
com·par·a·tive
kəm-ˈpar-ət-iv
1
: of, relating to, or constituting the degree of grammatical comparison that denotes increase in the quality, quantity, or relation expressed by an adjective or adverb
2
: measured by comparison : relative
a comparative stranger
3
: involving the study of things that are alike by comparing them
comparative anatomy
comparatively
adverb
comparative
2 of 2 noun
: the comparative degree or a word form expressing it
"taller" is the comparative of "tall"
Medical Definition
comparative
adjective
com·par·a·tive
kəm-ˈpar-ət-iv
: characterized by the systematic comparison of phenomena and especially of likenesses and dissimilarities
comparative anatomy
the study of blood types by comparative analysis
Legal Definition
comparative
adjective
com·par·a·tive
kəm-ˈpar-ə-tiv
: characterized by systematic comparison
comparative contribution, which apportions according to…respective fault—W. L. Prosser and W. P. Keeton
W. L. Prosser and W. P. Keeton
comparatively
adverb
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