comparison

/kəm'pærisn/
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comparison

The teacher writes a comparison of two fractions on the board.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • The act or process of examining two or more things to identify similarities and differences: "Comparison" refers to the deliberate evaluation of how items are alike or different.
    • A statement or estimate of similarities and differences: "Comparison" can also be the result of this examination, often expressed as an analogy or a judgment.
    • The quality of being similar or analogous enough to make comparison valid: "Comparison" can refer to the comparable qualities themselves that allow for such an evaluation.
Usage and Examples
  • General Use:

    • A detailed comparison of the two proposals revealed significant differences in cost. (The act of examining the proposals.)
    • The comparison between classical and modern architecture is fascinating. (A statement about their similarities and differences.)
    • There is no comparison between fresh and canned vegetables. (The qualities are not similar enough for a fair evaluation.)
  • Common Patterns:

    • make/draw a comparison: To actively perform or state a comparison.
      • The study makes a comparison between urban and rural lifestyles.
    • in comparison with/to: Used to introduce the second item being compared.
      • This model is very efficient in comparison to the older one.
    • by comparison: Used to indicate that something is being judged relative to something else.
      • The second task was easier by comparison.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
  • Beyond comparison: So excellent that nothing else is similar or equal.
    • Her talent as a violinist is beyond comparison.
  • Stand/bear comparison (with): To be good enough to be judged alongside something else without being inferior.
    • Few modern novels can stand comparison with the classics.
  • Invite comparison (with): To have qualities that naturally cause people to make a comparison.
    • The director's latest film invites comparison with his earlier, groundbreaking work.
Variants and Related Words
  • Compare (verb): To examine or represent two or more things to discover similarities and differences.
    • We compared the features of several smartphones before buying one.
  • Comparative (adjective): Measured or judged by comparing; relative.
    • They lived in comparative comfort.
  • Comparable (adjective): Able to be likened to another; similar.
    • The two situations are not comparable.
Synonyms
  • Analogy: A comparison between two things, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification.
  • Contrast: Emphasis on differences rather than similarities when comparing.
  • Juxtaposition: The fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect.
Idioms and Fixed Phrases
  • Pale in comparison (to/with): To seem much less serious, important, or impressive when compared with something else.
    • My problems pale in comparison with the challenges she has faced.
  • There's no comparison: Used to say that one thing is much better, worse, etc., than another.
    • The original version is excellent; the remake is okay, but there's no comparison.
comparison

The teacher writes a comparison of two fractions on the board.

Noun
  1. qualities that are comparable
    • no comparison between the two books
    • beyond compare
  2. relation based on similarities and differences
  3. the act of examining resemblances
    • they made a comparison of noise levels
    • the fractions selected for comparison must require pupils to consider both numerator and denominator