Definition of "comparative" in English

adjective

1. Of or relating to comparison.

   • He gave us a comparative example to illustrate how the human mind works.

2. Using comparison as a method of study, or founded on something using it.

   • A comparative study between Homo Sapiens and Homo neanderthalensis.
   • comparative anatomy

3. Approximated by comparison; relative.

4. (obsolete) Comparable; bearing comparison.

noun

1. (grammar) 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).

2. (grammar) An adjective or adverb in the comparative degree.

3. (chiefly in the plural) Data used to make a comparison.

4. (obsolete) An equal; a rival; a compeer.

5. (obsolete) One who makes comparisons; one who affects wit.