a. | 1. | Of or pertaining to comparison. |
| 2. | Proceeding from, or by the method of, comparison; as, the comparative sciences; the comparative anatomy. |
| 3. | Estimated by comparison; relative; not positive or absolute, as compared with another thing or state. |
| 4. | (Gram.) Expressing a degree greater or less than the positive degree of the quality denoted by an adjective or adverb. The comparative degree is formed from the positive by the use of -er, more, or less; as, brighter, more bright, or less bright. |
n. | 1. | (Gram.) The comparative degree of adjectives and adverbs; also, the form by which the comparative degree is expressed; as, stronger, wiser, weaker, more stormy, less windy, are all comparatives. |
| 2. | An equal; a rival; a compeer. |
| 3. | One who makes comparisons; one who affects wit. |