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compare
com·pare / kəmˈpe(ə)r/ • v. [tr.] 1. estimate, measure, or note the similarity or dissimilarity between: individual schools compared their facilities with those of others in the area. ∎ (compare something to) point out the resemblances to; liken to: her novel was compared to the work of Daniel Defoe. ∎ (compare something to) draw an analogy between one thing and (another) for the purposes of explanation or clarification: he compared the religions to different paths toward the peak of the same mountain. ∎ [intr.] have a specified relationship with another thing or person in terms of nature or quality: salaries compare favorably with those of other professions. ∎ [intr.] be of an equal or similar nature or quality: sales cannot compare with the glory days of 1989. 2. (usu. be compared) Gram. form the comparative and superlative degrees of (an adjective or an adverb): words of one syllable are usually compared by “-er” and “-est.” PHRASES: beyond (or without) compare of a quality or nature surpassing all others of the same kind: a diamond beyond compare. compare notes (of two or more people) exchange ideas, opinions, or information about a particular subject. |
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Cite this article
"compare." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "compare." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-compare.html "compare." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-compare.html |
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compare
compare represent as similar. XV (earlier comper XIV). — (O)F. comparer (earlier comperer) :- L. comparāre pair, match, f. compar like, equal, f. COM- + pār equal (see PEER 1).
So comparative XV. — L. comparātīvus, f. comparāre, -āt-. comparison XIV. — OF. comparesoun (mod. -aison) :- L. comparatiō, -ōn- (see -ATION). |
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Cite this article
T. F. HOAD. "compare." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. T. F. HOAD. "compare." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-compare.html T. F. HOAD. "compare." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-compare.html |
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