comparative

/kəmˈpæɹətɪv/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: comparatives

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Of or relating to comparison.

Adjective

Examples

He gave us a comparative example to illustrate how the human mind works.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Using comparison as a method of study, or founded on something using it.

Adjective

Examples

A comparative study between Homo Sapiens and Homo neanderthalensis.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

The degree of comparison of an adjective or adverb used when comparing two entities in terms of a certain property or a certain way of doing something. In English, the comparative of superiority is formed by adding the suffix -er or the word more (e.g. bigger, more fully); the comparative of equality, by adding the word as (e.g. as big, as fully); the comparative of inferiority, by adding the word

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

An adjective or adverb in the comparative degree.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “comparative” mean?

Of or relating to comparison.

Is “comparative” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.