- (a.) 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.
- (n.) The comparative degree of adjectives and adverbs; also, the form by which the comparative degree is expressed; as, stronger, wiser, weaker, more stormy, less windy, are all comparatives.
- (n.) An equal; a rival; a compeer.
- (a.) Of or pertaining to comparison.
- (a.) Estimated by comparison; relative; not positive or absolute, as compared with another thing or state.
- (n.) One who makes comparisons; one who affects wit.
- (a.) Proceeding from or by the method of, comparison; as, the comparative sciences; the comparative anatomy.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
| APA | Webster's. (2011). comparative. Retrieved September 22, 2026, from http://smartdefine.org/comparative/definitions/1989524 |
| Chicago | Webster's. 2011. "comparative" http://smartdefine.org/comparative/definitions/1989524 (accessed September 22, 2026). |
| Harvard | Webster's 2011, comparative, Smart Define, viewed 22 September, 2026, <http://smartdefine.org/comparative/definitions/1989524>. |
| MLA | Webster's. "comparative" 27 May 2011. Web. 22 September 2026. <http://smartdefine.org/comparative/definitions/1989524> |