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comparison

n.
US //kəmˈpɛɹəsən// UK //kəmpˈæɹɪsən// com·par·i·son
  1. 1 examining similarities and differences (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the process of looking at two or more things to see how they are alike or different.

    the act of comparing or the state of being compared; an evaluation of relative qualities.

    Example

    The teacher made a comparison between the two books to show their different styles.

    Example

    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.

  2. 2 being similar or equal (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the state of being similar to something else, often used to say one thing is much better than another.

    the state of being similar or alike, frequently used in negative constructions to indicate a vast difference in quality.

    Example

    There is no comparison between home-cooked food and a quick snack from a machine.

    Example

    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'.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is often used to emphasize that one thing is far superior to another.
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  1. 3 grammatical degrees (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

    the way adjectives and adverbs change to show 'more' or 'most' of a quality.

    the modification of adjectives and adverbs to indicate degrees of quality, quantity, or intensity through positive, comparative, and superlative forms.

    Example

    In English, the comparison of the word 'good' is 'better' and 'best'.

    Example

    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.

    Teacher's tip

    In a grammar context, this refers specifically to forms like 'big, bigger, biggest'.
Origin

From Middle English comparisoun, from Old French comparison, from Latin comparātiō, from comparātus, perfect passive participle of comparō.

Idioms1 entry

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