comparative
Translation
comparative, relative
Examples
She lives in comparative comfort now.
She lives in comparative comfort now.
We did a comparative study of the two systems.
We did a comparative study of the two systems.
'Bigger' is the comparative form of 'big'.
'Bigger' is the comparative form of 'big'.
Grammar Patterns
comparative ((noun)) involving comparison We did a comparative study.
in comparative ((noun)) in a relative state She lives in comparative comfort.
Similar Words
Synonyms: relative, respective; Antonyms: absolute, positive (grammar)
Etymology
From 'compare' + the suffix '-ative', indicating a quality or tendency. It relates to the act of comparison.
Memory Tips
Think 'compare' + 'relative'. It means something is judged *relative* to something else, through *comparison*.