comparative 
At tile first attainable |'n'"l f our kinml.ilk'c < It 
[IftngOlg*], whether by artna! record or by tin ml- n nr. < 
(it the rtiiiiiiiii-itlirr student, it is ill a state of almost end- 
less subdivision. 
tt'hiinrti, Lifu nml ilniwth of I.IIIIK., p. 175. 
4. HaviM"; the power of eompiirini;; capable of 
noting similarities ami differences. 
I'.rallty i-, Jin! kmiun by ;iti e\e or IIOM- ; it conaislK in a 
symmetry, and it is tin; rnmiMmlirr laculty which note, it. 
l,V,i,,,, '/.. Sec|i. Si i. 
5. fa pro**., implying comparison : denoting a 
higher degree of a quality, relation, etc. 
belonging to one object or set of objects as 
compared with another. A].|.!i. i lotetod a.ij. 
live-forms like ./,./>/,/, *,//.';, hlm'trr, or (much more 
iarcly)to ailverb-fonii* like ulti'in-r, n<n>H''r ; Sllrh arc call- 
e.l ,- ,,,j,u ,-ntti->- ailjerti* e< in ;nl\ rrb>, or they arc Bald to 
heilli.riif the fi,i,liimlif,' tttOTM; the pnniitH' 
"!' it I'll'., bcinu' calleii, in relation to them. pOltHMt. or of 
i\KJiililvilfiirft, anil the .|en\c.| t"nin !,. at, tt.nt'lenrtt, 
etc.. fii/i-'iii Ilii v.1. " r lit the ."/">'"'" Ihe-e 
wonis. aiidc<>ijiri'.i>. Comparative anatomy. See 
mint,, mi/. Comparative clause, a clause introduced by 
or containing a r< mi pat at ive I'onjiini'ti' in. Comparative 
conjunction, a i onjnnrtion e\|nv-vM]ii4 e|iialit> or ililtu 
enee of ilcKrer. Tin <' Jiarathf t olijimrt inn- ,ir r ti i pi- 
ei-ilnl I iv a riirrelative >' or aiiMth'T i;*, or nseil in romblna- 
tl-ins for in-tanre, /"*' i/.- 1 , in fl" 1 WIIN.' ini'tunre Ol, Ol \f, 
iir.) nml Hi" a. Comparative grammar. See gram- 
mar. Comparative Inference, in <//<, an im 
wlllr.li compares tuo terms with each other by comparing 
each witha thinl or miililletenn. Comparative meth- 
od, philology, psychology, eti. Sec the nonn*. Com- 
parative question, in ''V>. a ijllestinn tbat asks which 
<if two subjects possesses a given character in the higher 
degree. 
II. H. If. One who makes comparisons or 
sarcasms; one wlio affects wit; a scoffer. 
Qavc bis countenance . . . 
To laugh at gibing boys, and stand the push 
Of every beardless vain cinntKtratipe. 
Shak., 1 Hen. IV., ill. 2. 
2f. One who ia equal or pretends to be an equal ; 
a rival ; a competitor. 
Oeranl ever was 
His full comparative. 
Beau, and Ft., Four Plays in One. 
3. In gram., the comparative degree, or a word 
expressing it. See L, 5. 
comparatively (kom-par'a-tiv-li), adv. 1. lu 
comparison; by comparison; according to es- 
timate made by comparison ; not positively, 
absolutely, or in itself ; relatively. 
The good or evil which is removed may be esteemed 
good or evil comparatively, and not positively or simply. 
Bacon. 
Specifically 2. By the comparative method 
of investigation. 
How much to the advantage of our general culture it 
would he if the study of languages . . . were compara- 
tively prosecuted. Haeckel, Evol. of Man (trans.), II. 24. 
comparativist (kom-par'a-tiv-ist), . [< com- 
parative + -)'.] One who employs or advo- 
cates the comparative method of study or in- 
vestigation. [Kare.] 
The old comparativMi, . . . regardless of the inconsis- 
tency of English spelling, always inquire, " if Arkansas Is 
Arkansaw, why is not Kansas Kansaw?" Science, X. 108. 
comparator (kora'pa-ra-tor), n. [< LL. com- 
parator, a comparer', < L. comparare, pp. corn- 
pa ratus, compare: see compare^, .] An appa- 
ratus for making comparisons ; especially, an 
instrument for comparing the lengths of nearly 
equal bars, either from end to end or between 
lines engraved upon them. The usual optical com- 
parator has two microscopes, firmly attached to a bar or 
something of that sort, with their focal planes coincident 
and furnished with filar micrometers, whose screws He 
virtually in one right line. There is also a carriage mov- 
ing at right angles to the screws, so as to bring first one 
bar and then another under the microscopes. In Saxton's 
comparator a beam of light Is caused to fall on a mirror 
delicately supported on its axis, round which a very fine 
chain is wound, the other end being attached to a lever 
provided with a spring in such a way that the mirror Is 
turned one way or the other as the bar contracts or ex- 
pands, or is replaced by a shorter or longer bar. The 
mirror throws the beam upon a large scale at some dis- 
tance, where it indicates by a large movement the very 
minute movements of the mirror. One form of color -com- 
parator employs a glass prism, which may be filled with 
a colored liquid, and a series of glass tubes containing 
colored solutions of known tints and shades. 
compare 1 (kom-par'), v. ; pret. and pp. compared, 
ppr. comparing. [= F. comparer = Pr. Sp. Pg. 
comparar = It. comparare, <T L. comparare, con- 
parare, connect in pairs, join, match, put to- 
gether, compare (cf. compar, nonpar, like or 
equal to another), < com-, together, with, + par, 
equal (see par, pair, peer%, compeer 1 ) ; a diff. 
word from L. comparare, prepare, make ready, 
furnish: see compare 2 .] I. trans. 1. To note 
I lie similarities and differences of (two or more 
things) ; bring together for the purpose of noting 
points of likeness and difference : used abso- 
lutely or followed by irith, and sometimes by 
to : as, to compare two pieces of cloth. 
1141 
'I hey, measuring themselves by themselves, and com- 
parirvj themselves among themselves, are not wise. 
:Mor. x. 12. 
lirrat things with small. Milton, V. L., a 021. 
The doctrines of this religion, thon-h in many respects 
very pine :unl even jihiloh'ijibieiil. w ben <-<iiinKiretl tit the 
ih prave-l ami uross MI|M Titition.i of India anil Africa, yet 
inruliati tin Mm t absolute Fatalism. Broutfham. 
2. Ti> liken ; parallel; represent as similar or 
analogous in any respect, for the purpose of 
illustration: with in 
object. 
illustration: with to governing the secondary 
Solon r-iminrnl the people to the sea, and orator* and 
counsellors to the winds ; for that the sea would be calm 
ami 141111 t if the winds did not trouble It. 
Bacon, Apophthegm*. 
To me It appear* no unjust simile to compare the affair* 
of this great continent !> the mechanism of a i -lock. 
h"fl/i/ii;/r<m. i|iioteil in I'.alc Toft a Hint. Const., I. 282. 
3. In gram., to affect (an adjective or an ad- 
verb) so as to form the degrees of comparison ; 
form or name the positive, comparative, and 
superlative degrees of (an adjective or adverb). 
See comparison, 5. Not to b compared with, hav- 
ing no marked similarity to; very different from;-espe- 
rially, very inferior to In respect of certain qualities. 
All which you forsake Is not to be compared with a little 
of that that I am seeking to enjoy. 
Banyan, Pilgrim'* Progress, p. 87. 
= 8yn. Compare, Compare to, Compare with, Contrail. 
Two things are compared In order to note the points of 
resemblance and difference between (hem ; they are con- 
i,., '.</ in order to not* the polnU of difference. When 
one thing is compared to another, It is to show that the 
first is like the second, as, in I.uke xv., the sinner Is com- 
pared to a lost sheep, etc. ; when one thing Is compared 
with another. It Is to show either difference or similarity, 
especially difference: as, the treatment of the Indians by 
Penn may be compared with the treatment of them by other 
colonists of America. Compare and contrant Imply equal- 
ity In the things examined ; compare to and compare with 
do not, the object of the verb being the principal subject 
of thought. 
Compare our faces, and be judge yourself. 
Shalt., K. John, i. 1. 
Goethe compared translators (o carriers, who convey good 
wine to market, though It gets unaccountably watered by 
the way. T. W. liiygiiuon, Oldport, p. 2O2. 
Compare dead happiness tri'M living woe ; 
Think that thy Imlies were fairer than they were, 
And he that slew them fouler than he U. 
Xlmk., Rich. III., Ir. 4. 
All this luxury of worship has nowhere such value as In 
the chapels of monasteries, where one finds it controlled 
with the ascetic menage of the worshippers. 
//. Jama, Jr., Trans. Sketches, p. 306. 
H. in trans. 1. To bear comparison ; exhibit 
likeness, equality, etc. ; be held like or equal. 
No mortal can with Him compare. 
S. Stennett, Hymn, Majestic Sweetness. 
The allied leagues were broken up : Rome stood forth 
more distinctly than ever as the one great city amidst a 
crowd of allies and enemies, none of whom singly could 
compare with her. E. A. Freeman, Amer. Lects., p. 817. 
2f. To vie. 
And, with her beautle, bountle did compare, 
Whether of them in her should have the greater share. 
Spenfcr, F. Q., IV. UL 39. 
compare 1 (kom-par'), n. [< compare!, c .] 1. 
Comparison." [Poetical.] 
Sorrow, for his sake, Is found 
A joy beyond compare. 
Coirper, Love Increased by Suffering (trans.). 
2t. Simile ; similitude ; illustration by com- 
parison. 
Their rhyme*, 
Full of protest, of oath, and big compare, 
Want simile*. Shak., T. and C., lit 2. 
My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun ; 
Coral is far more red than her lips' red ; . . . 
And yet, by heaven, I think my love as rare 
As any she belied with false compare. 
Shak., Sonnets, cxxx. 
3f. One who or that which is like ; an equal. 
I would your grace would quit them from your sight, 
That dare presume to look on Jove's compare. 
Greene and Lodge, Looking Glass for Lond. and Eng. 
compare 2 ! (kom-par'), v. t. [< L. comparare, 
prepare, make ready, provide, furnish, < com-, 
together, + parare, prepare: see pare. Cf. 
comparation.] To prepare; procure; get. 
But Iwth from backe and Iwlly still did spare, 
To fill his bags, and richesse to compare. 
Spenser, V.Q., I. iv. 28. 
comparer (kora-par'er), n. One who compares. 
Sp. LaringtoH. 
comparison ( kom-par 'i-son), . [< ME. com- 
parison, -.s-oun," < OF. comparaigun, F. compa- 
raison = Pr. comparaso = Sp. comparacion = Pg. 
rnmparacflo = It. comparasione, < L. compara- 
ti<i(n-), a comparison, < comparare, pp. compa- 
riitiia, compare: see compare*, v.] 1. The act 
of comparing ; transition of thought or obser- 
vation from one object to another, for the dis- 
compartlment 
covery of their likeness or unlikeneiss; the study 
or investigation of relations. 
So far from <-i;in.ii b, in;; In any way peculiar to 
Biological kclcncc, it Is, I think ;. scl- 
, !i. . . Huxley, I..i ji. BO. 
Tills power of companion giv. - and clear- 
ness to thought ; "ell 
but by comparing it with something < I 
J. I I''.*. 
2. An act of comparing: 11 enmjianitive esti- 
mate or statement ; a consideration "f likenewi 
or difference in regard to particular persons or 
things. 
Odyous of olde been compariionii. 
,-<tl l-oenu, etc. (ed. KurnlrallX p. K. 
\ it, after all compariioiu of truth . . . 
rue as Trollus hall crown up the verse. 
, 
As true 
. 
Shot., T. and C., UL t. 
And half asleep aha nude eonuaruon 
Of that ami these to her own faded self. 
/ i 
3. Comparable state, condition, or character; 
any relation of similitude or resemblance ; capa- 
bility of being compared ; power of comparing : 
an, the one ia BO much superior to the other that 
there is no comparison between them. 
On Sundays anil Holydays, let Divinity lie the sole Ob- 
ject of your Speculation, In annparimn whereof all other 
Knowledge is but I'ol.wcb Learning. 
Bowell, Letter*, I. v. . 
Who Is left among you that saw this house In her first 
glory? And how do yon see It nowK Is It not In your 
eye* in companion of It as nothing T Hag. II. 3. 
(It] was to their hearts a grief e beyond companion, to 
lo>e nil they had in that nialim r. 
Quoted In Capt. John Smith't True Travels, IL 76. 
4. Something with which another thing is com- 
pared; a similitude, or illustration by simili- 
tude ; a parallel. 
\v hereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with 
what companion shall we compare it? Mark IT. SO. 
The tints are such 
A* may not find companion on earth. Shelley. 
6. In gram., the variation of an adjective or 
(much more rarely) adverb to express a higher 
and the highest degree of what is denoted by 
the adjective or adverb. The degrees expressed thus 
in English, and in most of the languages related with Eng- 
lish, are three (including as first the primitive word) : poti- 
tive (so called by antithesis to the others), as itrono, weak, 
often; comparative, Mttronger, teeakcr, o/tfner; inamper- 
latiec, as xtronrte*t, weakest, ofteneitt. Adjectives not ad- 
mitting this variation, and many adverbs, express like de- 
grees by prefixing the comparative adverbs more and matt : 
as, More gloriovi, molt gloriout ; more ircnlclii, molt 
weakly ; and such phrases often receive, leas properly, 
the same names as the forms of equivalent value. 
6. In rhet., the considering of two things with 
regard to some quality or characteristic which 
is common to them both, as the likening of a 
hero to a lion in courage. 
I will let our figure enioy his best beknowen name, and 
call him stil In all ordlnarie cases the figure of cmnpari- 
um. Puttenham, Arte of Eng. Poesie, p. 196. 
7. In phren., one of the reflecting faculties, 
whose supposed function is to give the power 
of perceiving resemblances and differences or 
other analogies, and to produce a tendency to 
compare one thing with another. See phre- 
nology Double comparison, the comparing of two 
things with each other through the medium with which 
each is compared. = 8yn. 4 and 6. Metaphor, Allegory, etc. 
See limile. 
comparison^, f. t. [ME. comparisunen, -sottnen; 
< comparison, .] To compare. 
Thus comparimncj kryst the kyndom of heuenne, 
To this frelych feste that fele arn [many are] to called. 
Alliterative Poemi (ed. Morris). II. 161. 
Thllke selve nonmbre of yeres . . . ne may not certes 
ben comparytoned to the perdu raid yte that is endeles. 
Chaucer, Boethins, U. prose 7. 
share, < com-, together (among), T partire, dep. 
partiri, divide, < par(t-)s, part : see part.] To 
divide; mark out into parts or subdivisions. 
[Bare.] 
The crystal surface is ctmtparted alt, 
In niches verg'd with rubles. 
Glorer, Athenaid. Iv. 
compart 2 ! (kom'part), n. [< com- + part. Cf. 
Sp. Pg. compar. te, a joint party in a lawsuit.] 
A part existing along with others; an element; 
a fellow-member; a part. 
Comparts of the same substance. 
J. Scott, Practical Discoveries, xxiL 
COmpartimentt (kom-par'ti-ment), . [F.: see 
compartment.] Same as compartment. 
Allowing four feet diameter to the whole [shield], each 
of the twelve compartimentt may lie of ten or eleven Inches 
In depth. Pope, Shield of Achilles. 
