Word
comparison
Phoneticscom·par·i·son, stress on the second syllable
US/kəmˈpɛɹəsən/
UK/kəmpˈæɹɪsən/
Definitions
01examining similarities and differences
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the process of looking at two or more things to see how they are alike or different.
n. the act of comparing or the state of being compared; an evaluation of relative qualities.
“The teacher made a comparison between the two books to show their different styles.”
“A detailed comparison of the two economic models reveals that while both aim for growth, their methods of wealth distribution differ significantly.”
Usage
Often used with the prepositions 'of', 'between', or 'with'.
Pitfall
A comparison between the two cars shows many differences.
A comparison of the two cars shows many differences.
While 'between' is common, 'comparison of' is the standard way to introduce the items being analyzed.
Synonyms
02being similar or equal
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the state of being similar to something else, often used to say one thing is much better than another.
n. the state of being similar or alike, frequently used in negative constructions to indicate a vast difference in quality.
“There is no comparison between home-cooked food and a quick snack from a machine.”
“In terms of sheer processing power, there is simply no comparison between the new quantum processor and its predecessor.”
Usage
Commonly used in the phrase 'there is no comparison'.
Teaching tip
This sense is often used to emphasize that one thing is far superior to another.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03grammatical degrees
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Science Technical
n. the way adjectives and adverbs change to show 'more' or 'most' of a quality.
n. the modification of adjectives and adverbs to indicate degrees of quality, quantity, or intensity through positive, comparative, and superlative forms.
“In English, the comparison of the word 'good' is 'better' and 'best'.”
“The student struggled with the irregular comparison of certain adverbs, often applying standard suffixes where suppletion was required.”
Usage
Refers to the positive, comparative, and superlative degrees.
Teaching tip
In a grammar context, this refers specifically to forms like 'big, bigger, biggest'.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “comparison” in context.
Verb
01. bear comparison
“His latest novel does not bear comparison with his earlier masterpieces.”
verb + noun
02. comparison reveals
“A comparison of the two DNA samples reveals significant differences.”
noun + verb
03. comparison shows
“A quick comparison shows that the prices have doubled since last year.”
noun + verb
04. draw comparison
“Critics have drawn comparisons between his early work and that of Picasso.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. direct comparison
“It is difficult to make a direct comparison between the two schools.”
adj + noun
Noun
06. basis for comparison
“The previous year's figures provide a useful basis for comparison.”
noun + prep + noun
07. comparison of two
08. beyond all comparison
“The quality of the craftsmanship was beyond all comparison.”
09. by way of comparison
“By way of comparison, the US spends much more on healthcare than the UK.”
10. comparison between
11. comparison with
12. detailed comparison
Etymology
From Middle English comparisoun, from Old French comparison, from Latin comparātiō, from comparātus, perfect passive participle of comparō.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Related words
Idioms
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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