compare
Definitions
To examine two or more things to note their similarities and differences
比较，对比
To be similar to or as good as something else
比得上，匹敌
Comparison (mainly in the phrase 'beyond compare')
比较（多用于 beyond compare）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedcom- (together) + pār (equal) = "bring two things together as equals" to weigh them against each other. The flagship of the pār branch — it treats both items as comparable so a judgment can be made.
Root par still carries 36 more wordsUsage Guide
compare to vs compare with: "compare to" stresses likeness, often poetic (compare her smile to the sun); "compare with" sets two things side by side to find differences (compare this year's sales with last year's). "Compared to/with" as a linking phrase is interchangeable. The fixed phrase "beyond compare" uses compare as a noun.
Example Sentences
- 1.
It's unfair to compare a small startup with a global giant.
- 2.
Critics compared her new novel to her early masterpieces.
- 3.
No other city compares with Venice for romance.