Definitions for: Comparison


[n] examining resemblances or differences
[n] qualities that are comparable; "no comparison between the two books"; "beyond compare"
[n] relation based on similarities and differences



Webster (1913) Definition: Com*par"i*son (? or ?), n. [F. comparaison, L.
comparatio. See 1st Compare.]
1. The act of comparing; an examination of two or more
objects with the view of discovering the resemblances or
differences; relative estimate.

As sharp legal practitioners, no class of human
beings can bear comparison with them. --Macaulay.

The miracles of our Lord and those of the Old
Testament afford many interesting points of
comparison. --Trench.

2. The state of being compared; a relative estimate; also, a
state, quality, or relation, admitting of being compared;
as, to bring a thing into comparison with another; there
is no comparison between them.

3. That to which, or with which, a thing is compared, as
being equal or like; illustration; similitude.

Whereto shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with
what comparison shall we compare it? --Mark iv. 30.

4. (Gram.) The modification, by inflection or otherwise,
which the adjective and adverb undergo to denote degrees
of quality or quantity; as, little, less, least, are
examples of comparison.

5. (Rhet.) A figure by which one person or thing is compared
to another, or the two are considered with regard to some
property or quality, which is common to them both; e.g.,
the lake sparkled like a jewel.

6. (Phren.) The faculty of the reflective group which is
supposed to perceive resemblances and contrasts.

Beyond comparison, so far superior as to have no likeness,
or so as to make comparison needless.

In comparison of, In comparison with, as compared with;
in proportion to. [Archaic] ``So miserably unpeopled in
comparison of what it once was.'' --Addison.

Comparison of hands (Law), a mode of proving or disproving
the genuineness of a signature or writing by comparing it
with another proved or admitted to be genuine, in order to
ascertain whether both were written by the same person.
--Bouvier. --Burrill.


Com*par"i*son, v. t.
To compare. [Obs.] --Wyclif.

Synonyms: comparability, compare, comparing, equivalence

See Also: alikeness, analogy, collation, confrontation, contrast, examination, imaginative comparison, likeness, likening, relation, scrutiny, similitude

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