comparative Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the comparative form of an adjective or adverb
    comparative degree.
    • `faster' is the comparative of the adjective `fast'
    • `less famous' is the comparative degree of the adjective `famous'
    • `more surely' is the comparative of the adverb `surely'
  2. adjective relating to or based on or involving comparison
    • comparative linguistics
  3. adjective estimated by comparison; not absolute or complete
    relative.
    • a relative stranger

WordNet

Com*par"a*tive adjective
Etymology
L. comparativus: cf. F. comparatif.
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to comparison. "The comparative faculty." Granvill.
  2. Proceeding from, or by the method of, comparison; as, the comparative anatomy.
  3. Estimated by comparison; relative; not positive or absolute, as compared with another thing or state.
    The recurrence of comparative warmth and cold. Whewell.
    The bubble, by reason of its comparative levity to the fluid that incloses it, would necessarily ascend to the top. Bentley.
  4. (Gram.) Expressing a degree greater or less than the positive degree of the quality denoted by an adjective or adverb. The comparative degree is formed from the positive by the use of -er, more, or less; as, brighter, more bright, or less bright.
Com*par"a*tive noun
Definitions
  1. (Gram.) The comparative degree of adjectives and adverbs; also, the form by which the comparative degree is expressed; as, stronger, wiser, weaker, wore stormy, less windy, are all comparatives.
    In comparatives is expressed a relation of two; as in superlatives there is a relation of many. ngus.
  2. An equal; a rival; a compeer. Obs.
    Gerard ever was His full comparative. Beau. & Fl.
  3. One who makes comparisons; one who affects wit. Obs. "Every beardless vain comparative." Shak.

Webster 1913