com·pare (k m-pâr )v. com·pared, com·par·ing, com·pares v.tr. 1. To consider or describe as similar, equal, or analogous; liken. 2. To examine in order to note the similarities or differences of. 3. Grammar To form the positive, comparative, or superlative degree of (an adjective or adverb). v.intr. 1. To be worthy of comparison; bear comparison: two concert halls that just do not compare. 2. To draw comparisons. n. Idiom: Comparison: a musician beyond compare. compare notes To exchange ideas, views, or opinions. [Middle English comparen, from Old French comparer, from Latin compar  re, from compr, equal : com-, com- + pr, equal; see per-2 in Indo-European roots.]com·par er n.Usage Note: Compare usually takes the preposition to when it refers to the activity of describing the resemblances between unlike things: He compared her to a summer day. Scientists sometimes compare the human brain to a computer. It takes with when it refers to the act of examining two like things in order to discern their similarities or differences: The police compared the forged signature with the original. The committee will have to compare the Senate's version of the bill with the version that was passed by the House. When compare is used to mean "to liken (one) with another," with is traditionally held to be the correct preposition: That little bauble is not to be compared with (not to) this enormous jewel. But to is frequently used in this context and is not incorrect. |
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