compare
v.v. to look at two or more things to see how they are the same or different. You do this to decide which one is better or to find patterns.
v. to examine two or more objects, people, or ideas in order to note similarities and differences. Often used with 'to' or 'with' to indicate the basis of the evaluation.
I want to compare the prices of these two phones.
Before buying a new car, you should compare several different models to see which one has the best safety features.
The study aims to compare the long-term economic outcomes of different educational systems across Europe, accounting for variations in local labor market demands and government subsidies.
From Middle English comparen, from Old French comparer, from Latin comparare (“to prepare, procure”), from compar (“like or equal to another”), from com- + par (“equal”). Displaced native Old English metan (“to compare,” also “to measure”).
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. It commonly takes the prepositions 'to' (to highlight similarities) or 'with' (to highlight differences).
compare by the two bookscompare the two booksCompare is a transitive verb and does not require a preposition before the direct object.