compare
UK[kəmˈpeə]US[kəmˈper]
v
to examine or look for the differences and similarities between two or more things
v
to be considered similar or of equal quality to something else
Morpheme Breakdown
com
pare
com
together
pare
make equal
Etymology
The word 'compare' entered English in the late 14th century from the Old French comperer, which itself derived from the Latin comparare, meaning "to pair together, match, bring together for a contest". The Latin term is a compound of com- (together) and parare (to make ready, procure). The core logic of the word has always centered on the act of bringing two or more items together to examine their relationship, whether to find equality or difference. From its original sense of preparing or matching, the meaning evolved to its modern abstract focus on the systematic assessment of similarities and differences.
Analysis
Structure: com (together) + pare (make equal)
- com: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "together, with".
- pare: From Latin parare, meaning "to make ready, prepare, make equal".
Examples
It is interesting to compare their different political systems.
The report compares the performance of the two leading companies.
His achievements just don't compare to hers.