compare

compare
compare, contrast, collate mean to set two or more things side by side in order to show likenesses and differences.
Compare implies as an aim the showing of relative values or excellences or a bringing out of characteristic qualities, whether they are similar or divergent; contrast implies as the aim an attempt to emphasize their differences; thus, one may compare the movement of the Odyssey with that of the Aeneid to arrive at their distinctive qualities; one may thereupon contrast the buoyancy and rapidity of the one with the stateliness and dignity of the other. One object is compared with another, as above: it is compared to another when it is formally represented on the basis of a real or imagined similarity as being like that other; thus, Pope compares Homer with (not to)Vergil; he compares Homer to (not with) the Nile, pouring out his riches with a boundless overflow, Vergil to (not with) a river in its banks, with a gentle and constant stream.
Collate suggests a minute or critical comparison in order to note points of agreement and divergence; it applies especially to the minute comparison of books and manuscripts containing different versions of the same work for the sake of ascertaining or establishing the correct text
{

he has visited all Europe . . . not to collect medals, or collate manuscripts: but ... to compare and collate the distresses of all men in all countries— Burke

}
Analogous words: *match, equal, approach, touch, rival

New Dictionary of Synonyms. 2014.

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Synonyms:
(followed by with), , / (followed by to), , , , , ,


Look at other dictionaries:

  • Compare++ — is a useful auxiliary tool for programmers and Web developers. The tool can compare text files and folders quickly. It is useful to detect differences of codes and match.[1] In the review of Softsea in the June 2, 2010, Compare++ was awarded 5… …   Wikipedia

  • compare to — compare with, compare to 1. In general usage, these two constructions tend to be used interchangeably; AmE generally prefers to when there is a choice, whereas in BrE the choice is more evenly divided. A broad distinction in principle should be… …   Modern English usage

  • Compare — Com*pare , v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Compared}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Comparing}.] [L.comparare, fr. compar like or equal to another; com + par equal: cf. F. comparer. See {Pair}, {Peer} an equal, and cf. {Compeer}.] 1. To examine the character or… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • compare — [kəm per′] vt. compared, comparing [ME comparen < OFr comparer < L comparare < com , with + parare, to make equal < par: see PAR1] 1. to regard as similar; liken (to) [to compare life to a river] 2. to examine in order to observe or… …   English World dictionary

  • compare — ► VERB 1) (often compare to/with) estimate, measure, or note the similarity or dissimilarity between. 2) (compare to) point out or describe the resemblances of (something) with. 3) (usu. compare with) be similar to or have a specified… …   English terms dictionary

  • Compare — Com*pare , n. 1. Comparison. [Archaic] [1913 Webster] His mighty champion, strong beyond compare. Milton. [1913 Webster] Their small galleys may not hold compare With our tall ships. Waller. [1913 Webster] 2. Illustration by comparison; simile.… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • compare to —  , compare with  These two can be usefully distinguished.  Compare to should be used to liken things, compare with to consider their similarities or differences. He compared London to New York means that he felt London to be similar to New York.… …   Bryson’s dictionary for writers and editors

  • Compare — Com*pare , v. i. 1. To be like or equal; to admit, or be worthy of, comparison; as, his later work does not compare with his earlier. [1913 Webster] I should compare with him in excellence. Shak. [1913 Webster] 2. To vie; to assume a likeness or… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • compare — late 14c., from O.Fr. comparer (12c., Mod.Fr. comparer), from L.L. comparare to liken, to compare (see COMPARISON (Cf. comparison)). To compare notes is from 1708. Related: Compared; comparing. Phrase without compare (attested from 1620s, but… …   Etymology dictionary

  • comparé — comparé, ée [ kɔ̃pare ] adj. • de comparer ♦ Qui étudie les rapports entre plusieurs objets d étude. Anatomie comparée (des espèces différentes). Grammaire comparée, étudiant les rapports entre langues. Littérature comparée, étudiant les… …   Encyclopédie Universelle

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