comparison Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun the act of examining resemblances
comparing.
- they made a comparison of noise levels
- the fractions selected for comparison must require pupils to consider both numerator and denominator
noun relation based on similarities and differences
noun qualities that are comparable
compare; equivalence; comparability.
- no comparison between the two books
- beyond compare

F. comparaison, L. comparatio. See 1st Compare.

The act of comparing; an examination of two or more objects with the view of discovering the resemblances or differences; relative estimate.
As sharp legal practitioners, no class of human beings can bear comparison with them. Macaulay.

The miracles of our Lord and those of the Old Testament afford many interesting points of comparison. Trench.
The state of being compared; a relative estimate; also, a state, quality, or relation, admitting of being compared; as, to bring a thing into comparison with another; there is no comparison between them.
That to which, or with which, a thing is compared, as being equal or like; illustration; similitude.
Whereto shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what comparison shall we compare it? Mark iv. 30.
(Gram.) The modification, by inflection or otherwise, which the adjective and adverb undergo to denote degrees of quality or quantity; as, little, less, least, are examples of comparison.
(Rhet.) A figure by which one person or thing is compared to another, or the two are considered with regard to some property or quality, which is common to them both; e.g., the lake sparkled like a jewel.
(Phren.) The faculty of the reflective group which is supposed to perceive resemblances and contrasts.