compareverb
To compare things is to think about them side by side to see how they are the same and how they are different.
look for differenceslook at two or more things to see how they are the same and how they are different
transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj] verb + object + preposition + object [V + obj + prep + obj]
- Compare the two pictures. Can you see any differences? V + obj
- We compared prices at three different stores. V + obj
- Compare this year's results with last year's. V + obj + prep + obj
- Compared to her sister, she's quite tall. (compared to or compared with at the start of a sentence)
Collocations
verb + noun compare prices, compare results, compare notesverb + adverb compare carefully, compare favorablyCompare against
say similarsay that someone or something is like someone or something else
transitive [T] verb + object + preposition + object [V + obj + prep + obj]
- People often compare her to her mother. V + obj + prep + obj
- The writer compares life to a long journey. V + obj + prep + obj
be as good asbe as good as, or be similar to, someone or something else
Often used with a negative or in questions.
intransitive [I] verb + preposition + object [V + prep + obj]
Word family
- comparison
- comparative
- comparable
Usage
In the sense look for differences, compare with and compare to are both used. In the sense say similar, compare to is more usual: she compared the city to a garden.