comparative
Describing something that compares two or more things in order to see how they are different or similar.
Involving the process of comparing two or more things, especially in a study, analysis, or description.
Used about the form of an adjective or adverb that means there is a higher level of something, like 'bigger' or 'more slowly'.
Describing the form of an adjective or adverb that shows a higher degree of a quality, usually made with -er or with 'more'.
Used to say that something is better, safer, or easier only when you compare it with another thing, not in a perfect or absolute way.
Describing a condition or quality that is judged only in relation to something else and not on an absolute scale, often implying that it is better or safer than before or than another situation.
The special form of an adjective or adverb that means there is a higher level of something, like 'taller' from 'tall' or 'more slowly' from 'slowly'.
The form of an adjective or adverb that shows a higher degree of a quality, such as 'smaller' or 'more careful'.
- Base: comparative
- Base: comparative
- Plural: comparatives
comparative advantage
1lower opportunity cost in production
In economics, the idea that a person, company, or country can make a product or service at a lower cost compared with others, so it is better for them to focus on that thing.
- According to the theory of comparative advantage, countries should specialize in what they produce most efficiently.
- The nation has a comparative advantage in agricultural products because of its rich soil.
- Global trade patterns are strongly influenced by each region's comparative advantage.
comparative analysis
1an analysis that compares things
A careful study that looks at two or more things and compares them to see how they are similar or different.
- The researchers conducted a comparative analysis of energy use in different cities.
- Our comparative analysis shows that this product performs better than its main competitor.
comparative literature
1field comparing different literatures
A subject at university where people study and compare books and other writings from different languages, countries, or cultures.
- He decided to major in comparative literature at university.
- Comparative literature often involves reading texts in their original languages.
comparative religion
1field comparing different religions
A field of study where people look at different religions and compare their beliefs, practices, and histories.
- She took a course in comparative religion during her first year at college.
- Comparative religion helps students understand both similarities and differences between faiths.
comparative study
1research comparing multiple cases
An academic or scientific study that looks at two or more groups, places, or things and compares them.
- She is writing a comparative study of education systems in Asia and Europe.
- The book is a comparative study of three major world religions.
in comparative terms
1expressed in relative terms
Used to say that you are talking about something by comparing it with something else, not by looking at it alone.
- In comparative terms, this city is still quite safe.
- The company is small, but in comparative terms its profits are impressive.