compares - Master This Word
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compares Word Meanings
- to examine the similarities and differences of two or more items
- to regard as similar
- to measure against another
compares Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
compares Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/kəmˈpeə/
US
/kəmˈpɛr/
compares Word Etymology
com- = together + parare = prepare/make equal. Origin: Latin → Old French → English. Imagine two friends preparing to meet and compare their unique experiences in a colorful marketplace.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
Hands reach out and I move two objects on the table. I push and pull, aligning them until they sit in a straight line. I adjust the space between them and watch how their shapes shift in relation to each other. As I hold that moment steady, the sense of similarity or difference emerges from the feel of the task, not from a rule I memorize.
Real Context
Compare means to look for likenesses and differences between two or more things, to place them side by side and judge how they are alike or different. It can also mean to regard one thing as similar to another, or to measure or evaluate against a standard, rule, or example. In everyday English you might compare prices, qualities, or ideas, or you might say two friends compare their stories to see where they match or diverge. Learners often confuse compare with contrast or compare to; remember: compare is about noting similarities and differences, not just saying one is better or worse.
Usage Reminders
- Use compare to describe similarities and differences and to evaluate against a standard.
- Be specific about which points are similar and which are different.
- Avoid general judgments like better or worse unless you back them with evidence.
- When you say compare to, connect the item to a clear standard or example.
- Differentiate compare from contrast; contrast highlights differences more strongly.
Common Misconceptions
- Compare means only saying which item is better or worse.
- You can use compare without mentioning similarities.
- Compare and contrast are the same thing.
- Compare to is only used when comparing people.
- Every sentence with compare must end with a verdict.
Thinking Differences
In English, learners expect a neutral, evidence-based balance of similarities and differences, often defaulting to a verdict without supporting examples.
Learning Tips
- Learn the core meanings: similarities, differences, and standard comparisons.
- Practice with everyday items (prices, features, opinions).
- Distinguish compare from contrast (both point out differences, but contrast emphasizes them more).
- Use 'compare to' for drawing parallels with a standard or example.
- Pair each similarity with a corresponding difference for balance.
- Check context: academic writing vs casual conversation may require different forms.
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