Definition of: compare

(kəm·pâr′) v. ·pared, ·par·ing v.t.
1. To represent or speak of as similar, analogous, or equal: with to.
2. To examine so as to perceive similarity or dissimilarity; state the resemblance or difference of: with with.
3. Gram. To state the degrees of comparison of (an adjective or adverb).
—v.i.
4. To be worthy of comparison: with with.
5. To vie or compete.
—noun Archaic or Poetic Comparison: usually in the phrase beyond compare. [<F comparer <L comparare <com- together + par equal] Synonyms (verb): assimilate, collate, liken, parallel. See CONTRAST. To compare one thing to another is to liken or suggest as being similar; to compare one thing with another is to make a detailed analysis of points of similarity or difference.