incomparable
/in'kɔmpərəbl/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Such that comparison is impossible; unsuitable for comparison: Describes something so exceptional or unique that it cannot be fairly measured against others.
- Lacking features that can be compared: Indicates that two things are fundamentally different in nature, making a meaningful comparison unfeasible.
- Unrivalled, matchless: Describes something of such supreme quality or degree that it has no equal.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- The view from the mountaintop was of incomparable beauty. (It was so beautiful that nothing else could match it.)
- The two theories are incomparable; they address completely different phenomena. (They cannot be compared because they are fundamentally different.)
- She has an incomparable talent for storytelling. (Her talent is unique and unmatched.)
Advanced Usage
- "incomparable to/with": Used to state that something cannot be compared to something else, often because it is superior or fundamentally different.
- The original masterpiece is incomparable to any modern reproduction.
- Personal happiness is incomparable with material wealth; they are different categories.
Variants and Related Words
- Comparable (adj): Able to be likened or judged against something else; similar.
- The performance was comparable to last year's event.
- Incomparably (adv): To an unmatched or supreme degree.
- She is incomparably more skilled than her peers.
Synonyms
- Unparalleled: Having no parallel or equal.
- Matchless: So good that nothing can equal it.
- Peerless: Better than all others.
- Unrivalled: Superior to all others in a particular area.
Antonyms
- Comparable: Similar enough to allow comparison.
- Ordinary: With no special or distinctive features.
- Mediocre: Of only moderate quality.
Notes on Usage
- The word incomparable is an absolute adjective. It is typically not used with comparative () or superlative () forms, as its meaning already denotes the highest degree. However, intensifiers like "truly" or "utterly" are sometimes used for emphasis (e.g., ).
- It can describe both positive superiority (e.g., ) and fundamental difference that prevents comparison (e.g., ).
Adjective
- such that comparison is impossible; unsuitable for comparison or lacking features that can be compared
- an incomparable week of rest and pleasure
- the computer proceeds with its incomparable logic and efficiency
- this report is incomparable with the earlier ones because of different breakdowns of the data