compar.

Noun

comparative (plural comparatives)

1. The degree of comparison of an adjective or adverb used when comparing two entities in terms of a certain property or a certain way of doing something. In English, the comparative of superiority is formed by adding the suffix -er or the word more (e.g. bigger, more fully); the comparative of equality, by adding the word as (e.g. as big, as fully); the comparative of inferiority, by adding the word less (e.g. less big, less fully).

   Synonyms:

   comparative degree

2. An adjective or adverb in the comparative degree.
3. (in plural) Data used to make a comparison.
   • Investment ratios are positive. Comparative or trend data are required to draw final conclusions. The absence of comparatives and trend data constrains the conclusions.2010, Barry Smith, Introductory Financial Accounting and Reporting, page 171
4. (obsolete) An equal; a rival; a compeer.
   • Gerrard ever was / His full comparative.c. 1608–1613, Nathan Field, John Fletcher, “Four Playes, or Morall Representations, in One”, in Comedies and Tragedies […], London: […] Humphrey Robinson, […], and for Humphrey Moseley […], published...
5. (obsolete) One who makes comparisons; one who affects wit.
   • Every beardless vain comparative.c. 1597 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The First Part of Henry the Fourth, […]”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and...

See all 9 meanings of comparative