| 释义 |
com·par·a·tive
I. \kəmˈparəd.iv, -rətiv also -per-\ adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin comparativus, from comparatus (past participle of comparare to compare) + -ivus -ive
1. : belonging to or constituting the degree of comparison that is usually expressed in English by placing more before an adjective (as more natural) or adverb (as more clearly) or by suffixing -er to it (newer, sooner) and that typically denotes increase in the quality, quantity, or relation expressed by the adjective or adverb
< the comparative degree >
< the irregular comparative forms elder and better >
— compare comparison 3; positive, superlative
2. obsolete : adept at making comparisons especially of a scoffing or mocking nature
3.
a. : considered as if with something or someone else held up to reveal contrast or likeness : seen as if in the light of something or someone implied or suggested : relative
< a comparative stranger >
< in 1796 when comparative peace came to the frontier — American Guide Series: Pennsylvania >
b. : approximating but not quite achieving (as a desired quality or state) : near, approximate
< comparative comfort >
< a position of mere comparative security >
4.
a. : making use of or capable of making use of a method whereby likenesses or dissimilarities are determined by simultaneous examination of two or more items
< the comparative viewpoint >
< the study of blood types by comparative analysis >
specifically : characterized by the comparison of things that have developed divergently from a common origin
< comparative linguistics >
or of things that have developed convergently from different origins or of both
< comparative anatomy >
— compare descriptive
b. : viewed or examined for the purpose of ascertaining or revealing likeness or dissimilarity
< the comparative morality of the sexes — Haldane Macfall >
5. obsolete : comparable
• com·par·a·tive·ly \-tə̇vlē, -li\ adverb
• com·par·a·tive·ness \-tivnə̇s\ noun -es
II. noun
(-s)
Etymology: Middle English, from comparative adjective
1. : one that compares with another especially on equal footing : rival; specifically : one that makes witty or mocking comparisons
2.
a. : the comparative degree in a language
b. : a comparative form of an adjective or adverb |